Published 12 December 2025 4 min read
England
FIFA World Cup 2026 initial registration guidance
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Initial FIFA World Cup 2026™ application guidance for ESTC members
We have analysed data from all 14,822 ESTC members who registered their interest in attending FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches. All three group-stage matches, and all conditional knockout fixtures, were oversubscribed.
The information and guidance in this update is subject to change based on the volume of applications submitted to FIFA when official applications open from next week. We will share updated and more accurate advice after 21 December, and ahead of the official application deadline on 13 January 2026, to ensure ESTC members can make the most informed decisions based on their individual circumstances.
Please be aware of the following:
For each fixture, we’ve identified: a) The active caps total an active ESTC member will need to guarantee a ticket in the lowest-priced category (Supporter Value Tier). b) The active caps total an active ESTC member will need to guarantee a ticket in any available category (Supporter Premier or Supporter Standard).
If your active caps total is below the level required to guarantee a ticket in either scenario, your application will be entered into a ballot as per the membership tournament ballot rules 6.3 to determine whether it is successful.
This applies across all three group-stage matches and all conditional knockout fixtures at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
This guidance is based solely on information gathered during the ESTC Registration of Interest period (Monday 8 December – Wednesday 10 December). As ticket prices and category splits were not available at that time, we recognise that members’ final decisions during the official application window may differ. These choices will naturally influence the numbers and could affect the thresholds shown below. The guidance is intended to help members secure the cheapest available tickets by following our advice.
FIFA have advised that accessible tickets such as wheelchair or easy access seating will also be required to purchase a carer/companion ticket if a carer/companion is required. We are also yet to receive a final allocation for Wheelchair/Easy Access/Accessible tickets. Members who require this seating type are advised to apply on Monday 15 December along with all other members and select your seating type. We will then be able to offer further guidance after 21 December.
Applying prior to receiving your access code from ESTC, due to be sent on Monday 15 December, will put your application into the public/random FIFA draw. FIFA will only allow you to have 4 tickets against your name, per game, in this application phase, meaning that applying for more than three tickets for a single match in the public/random FIFA draw will lead to potential ticket cancellations in both applications.
Regarding the above, please also note that after the official application process is completed, payment will be taken by FIFA for all matches you are successful for. It will be an “all or nothing” process, so please only apply for matches you wish to pay for within the official application via FIFA, which is expected to open on Monday 15 December.
Match 22: England v Croatia
The allocation and category splits for this fixture are as follows:
Supporter Premier - Cat 1: 1006
Supporter Standard - Cat 2: 1006
Supporter Value - Cat 3: 2010
WC/Companion ($TBC): TBC
Easy Access/Accessible ($TBC): TBC
Total: 4022
- Members who are on 33 active caps or above are in the top 70% of applicants for this match.
- Members who are on 38 active caps or more would be guaranteed a Supporter Value – Category 3 ticket should they apply for it.
- Members who have between 33 and 37 active caps would be guaranteed a ticket and are advised to apply for a Supporter Standard – Category 2 ticket and select the option to move down.
- Members who are on 32 caps or fewer, who have also been to 4 home and 2 away games as a minimum, will be entered into the ‘20% ballot’ and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier - Category 1 and select the option to move down.
- All members who were entered into the 20% ballot, who were unsuccessful, and all remaining members who have been to at least one match in the current membership cycle, will be entered into the 10% ballot and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
Match 45: England v Ghana
The allocation and category splits for this fixture are as follows:
Supporter Premier - Cat 1: 973
Supporter Standard - Cat 2: 973
Supporter Value - Cat 3: 1943
WC/Companion ($TBC): TBC
Easy Access/Accessible ($TBC): TBC
Total: 3889
- Members who are on 37 active caps or above are in the top 70% of applicants for this match.
- Members who are on 41 active caps or more would be guaranteed a Supporter Value – Category 3 ticket should they apply for it.
- Members who have between 37 and 40 active caps would be guaranteed a ticket and are advised to apply for a Supporter Standard – Category 2 ticket and select the option to move down.
- Members who are on 36 caps or fewer, who have also been to 4 home and 2 away games as a minimum, would be entered into the ‘20% ballot’ and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
- All members who were entered into the 20% ballot, who were unsuccessful, and all remaining members who have been to at least one match in the current membership cycle, would be entered into the 10% ballot and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
Match 67: England v Panama
The allocation and category splits for this fixture are as follows:
Supporter Premier - Cat 1: 1207
Supporter Standard - Cat 2: 1207
Supporter Value - Cat 3: 2412
WC/Companion ($TBC): TBC
Easy Access/Accessible ($TBC): TBC
Total: 4826
- Members who are on 32 active caps or above are in the top 70% of applicants for this match.
- Members who are on 37 active caps or more would be guaranteed a Supporter Value – Category 3 ticket should they apply for it.
- Members who have between 32 and 36 active caps would be guaranteed a ticket and are advised to apply for a Supporter Standard – Category 2 ticket and select the option to move down.
- Members who are on 31 caps or fewer, who have also been to 4 home and 2 away games as a minimum, would be entered into the ‘20% ballot’ and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
- All members who were entered into the 20% ballot, who were unsuccessful, and all remaining members who have been to at least one match in the current membership cycle, would be entered into the 10% ballot and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
Round of 32
The allocation and category splits for this fixture are as follows:
Supporter Premier - Cat 1: 750
Supporter Standard - Cat 2: 750
Supporter Value - Cat 3: 1500
WC/Companion ($TBC): TBC
Easy Access/Accessible ($TBC): TBC
Total: 3000
- Members who are on 36 active caps or above are in the top 70% of applicants for this match.
- Members who are on 40 active caps or more would be guaranteed a Supporter Value – Category 3 ticket should they apply for it.
- Members who have between 36 and 39 active caps would be guaranteed a ticket and are advised to apply for a Supporter Standard – Category 2 ticket and select the option to move down.
- Members who are on 35 caps or fewer, who have also been to 4 home and 2 away games as a minimum, would be entered into the ‘20% ballot’ and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
- All members who were entered into the 20% ballot, who were unsuccessful, and all remaining members who have been to at least one match in the current membership cycle, would be entered into the 10% ballot and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
Round of 16
The allocation and category splits for this fixture are as follows:
Supporter Premier - Cat 1: 750
Supporter Standard - Cat 2: 750
Supporter Value - Cat 3: 1500
WC/Companion ($TBC): TBC
Easy Access/Accessible ($TBC): TBC
Total: 3000
- Members who are on 39 active caps or above are in the top 70% of applicants for this match.
- Members who are on 43 active caps or more would be guaranteed a Supporter Value – Category 3 ticket should they apply for it.
- Members who have between 39 and 42 active caps would be guaranteed a ticket and are advised to apply for a Supporter Standard – Category 2 ticket and select the option to move down.
- Members who are on 38 caps or fewer, who have also been to 4 home and 2 away games as a minimum, would be entered into the ‘20% ballot’ and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
- All members who were entered into the 20% ballot, who were unsuccessful, and all remaining members who have been to at least one match in the current membership cycle, would be entered into the 10% ballot and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
Quarter-Final
The allocation and category splits for this fixture are as follows:
Supporter Premier - Cat 1: 875
Supporter Standard - Cat 2: 875
Supporter Value - Cat 3: 1750
WC/Companion ($TBC): TBC
Easy Access/Accessible ($TBC): TBC
Total: 3500
- Members who are on 36 active caps or above are in the top 70% of applicants for this match.
- Members who are on 39 active caps or more would be guaranteed a Supporter Value – Category 3 ticket should they apply for it.
- Members who have between 36 and 38 active caps would be guaranteed a ticket and are advised to apply for a Supporter Standard – Category 2 ticket and select the option to move down.
- Members who are on 35 caps or fewer, who have also been to 4 home and 2 away games as a minimum, would be entered into the ‘20% ballot’ and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
- All members who were entered into the 20% ballot, who were unsuccessful, and all remaining members who have been to at least one match in the current membership cycle, would be entered into the 10% ballot and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
Semi-Final
The allocation and category splits for this fixture are as follows:
Supporter Premier - Cat 1: 875
Supporter Standard - Cat 2: 875
Supporter Value - Cat 3: 1750
WC/Companion ($TBC): TBC
Easy Access/Accessible ($TBC): TBC
Total: 3500
- Members who are on 37 active caps or above are in the top 70% of applicants for this match.
- Members who are on 39 active caps or more would be guaranteed a Supporter Value – Category 3 ticket should they apply for it.
- Members who have between 37 and 38 active caps would be guaranteed a ticket and are advised to apply for a Supporter Standard – Category 2 ticket and select the option to move down.
- Members who are on 36 caps or fewer, who have also been to 4 home and 2 away games as a minimum, would be entered into the ‘20% ballot’ and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
- All members who were entered into the 20% ballot, who were unsuccessful, and all remaining members who have been to at least one match in the current membership cycle, would be entered into the 10% ballot and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
3rd Place Play-off
The allocation and category splits for this fixture are as follows:
Supporter Premier - Cat 1: 875
Supporter Standard - Cat 2: 875
Supporter Value - Cat 3: 1750
WC/Companion ($TBC): TBC
Easy Access/Accessible ($TBC): TBC
Total: 3500
- Members who are on 30 active caps or above are in the top 70% of applicants for this match.
- Members who are on 31 active caps or more would be guaranteed a Supporter Value – Category 3 ticket should they apply for it.
- Members who have between 23 and 30 active caps would be guaranteed a ticket and are advised to apply for a Supporter Standard – Category 2 ticket and select the option to move down.
- Members who are on 22 caps or fewer, who have also been to 4 home and 2 away games as a minimum, would be entered into the ‘20% ballot’ and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
- All members who were entered into the 20% ballot, who were unsuccessful, and all remaining members who have been to at least one match in the current membership cycle, would be entered into the 10% ballot and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
Final
The allocation and category splits for this fixture are as follows:
Supporter Premier - Cat 1: 1125
Supporter Standard - Cat 2: 1125
Supporter Value - Cat 3: 2250
WC/Companion ($TBC): TBC
Easy Access/Accessible ($TBC): TBC
Total: 4500
- Members who are on 39 active caps or above are in the top 70% of applicants for this match.
- Members who are on 43 active caps or more would be guaranteed a Supporter Value – Category 3 ticket should they apply for it.
- Members who have between 39 and 42 active caps would be guaranteed a ticket and are advised to apply for a Supporter Standard – Category 2 ticket and select the option to move down.
- Members who are on 38 caps or fewer, who have also been to 4 home and 2 away games as a minimum, would be entered into the ‘20% ballot’ and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
- All members who were entered into the 20% ballot, who were unsuccessful, and all remaining members who have been to at least one match in the current membership cycle, would be entered into the 10% ballot and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
The information and guidance in this update is subject to change based on the volume of applications submitted to FIFA when official applications open from next week. We will share updated and more accurate advice after 21 December, and ahead of the official application deadline on 13 January 2026, to ensure ESTC members can make the most informed decisions based on their individual circumstances.
Please be aware of the following:
For each fixture, we’ve identified: a) The active caps total an active ESTC member will need to guarantee a ticket in the lowest-priced category (Supporter Value Tier). b) The active caps total an active ESTC member will need to guarantee a ticket in any available category (Supporter Premier or Supporter Standard).
If your active caps total is below the level required to guarantee a ticket in either scenario, your application will be entered into a ballot as per the membership tournament ballot rules 6.3 to determine whether it is successful.
This applies across all three group-stage matches and all conditional knockout fixtures at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
This guidance is based solely on information gathered during the ESTC Registration of Interest period (Monday 8 December – Wednesday 10 December). As ticket prices and category splits were not available at that time, we recognise that members’ final decisions during the official application window may differ. These choices will naturally influence the numbers and could affect the thresholds shown below. The guidance is intended to help members secure the cheapest available tickets by following our advice.
FIFA have advised that accessible tickets such as wheelchair or easy access seating will also be required to purchase a carer/companion ticket if a carer/companion is required. We are also yet to receive a final allocation for Wheelchair/Easy Access/Accessible tickets. Members who require this seating type are advised to apply on Monday 15 December along with all other members and select your seating type. We will then be able to offer further guidance after 21 December.
Applying prior to receiving your access code from ESTC, due to be sent on Monday 15 December, will put your application into the public/random FIFA draw. FIFA will only allow you to have 4 tickets against your name, per game, in this application phase, meaning that applying for more than three tickets for a single match in the public/random FIFA draw will lead to potential ticket cancellations in both applications.
Regarding the above, please also note that after the official application process is completed, payment will be taken by FIFA for all matches you are successful for. It will be an “all or nothing” process, so please only apply for matches you wish to pay for within the official application via FIFA, which is expected to open on Monday 15 December.
Match 22: England v Croatia
The allocation and category splits for this fixture are as follows:
Supporter Premier - Cat 1: 1006
Supporter Standard - Cat 2: 1006
Supporter Value - Cat 3: 2010
WC/Companion ($TBC): TBC
Easy Access/Accessible ($TBC): TBC
Total: 4022
- Members who are on 33 active caps or above are in the top 70% of applicants for this match.
- Members who are on 38 active caps or more would be guaranteed a Supporter Value – Category 3 ticket should they apply for it.
- Members who have between 33 and 37 active caps would be guaranteed a ticket and are advised to apply for a Supporter Standard – Category 2 ticket and select the option to move down.
- Members who are on 32 caps or fewer, who have also been to 4 home and 2 away games as a minimum, will be entered into the ‘20% ballot’ and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier - Category 1 and select the option to move down.
- All members who were entered into the 20% ballot, who were unsuccessful, and all remaining members who have been to at least one match in the current membership cycle, will be entered into the 10% ballot and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
Match 45: England v Ghana
The allocation and category splits for this fixture are as follows:
Supporter Premier - Cat 1: 973
Supporter Standard - Cat 2: 973
Supporter Value - Cat 3: 1943
WC/Companion ($TBC): TBC
Easy Access/Accessible ($TBC): TBC
Total: 3889
- Members who are on 37 active caps or above are in the top 70% of applicants for this match.
- Members who are on 41 active caps or more would be guaranteed a Supporter Value – Category 3 ticket should they apply for it.
- Members who have between 37 and 40 active caps would be guaranteed a ticket and are advised to apply for a Supporter Standard – Category 2 ticket and select the option to move down.
- Members who are on 36 caps or fewer, who have also been to 4 home and 2 away games as a minimum, would be entered into the ‘20% ballot’ and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
- All members who were entered into the 20% ballot, who were unsuccessful, and all remaining members who have been to at least one match in the current membership cycle, would be entered into the 10% ballot and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
Match 67: England v Panama
The allocation and category splits for this fixture are as follows:
Supporter Premier - Cat 1: 1207
Supporter Standard - Cat 2: 1207
Supporter Value - Cat 3: 2412
WC/Companion ($TBC): TBC
Easy Access/Accessible ($TBC): TBC
Total: 4826
- Members who are on 32 active caps or above are in the top 70% of applicants for this match.
- Members who are on 37 active caps or more would be guaranteed a Supporter Value – Category 3 ticket should they apply for it.
- Members who have between 32 and 36 active caps would be guaranteed a ticket and are advised to apply for a Supporter Standard – Category 2 ticket and select the option to move down.
- Members who are on 31 caps or fewer, who have also been to 4 home and 2 away games as a minimum, would be entered into the ‘20% ballot’ and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
- All members who were entered into the 20% ballot, who were unsuccessful, and all remaining members who have been to at least one match in the current membership cycle, would be entered into the 10% ballot and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
Round of 32
The allocation and category splits for this fixture are as follows:
Supporter Premier - Cat 1: 750
Supporter Standard - Cat 2: 750
Supporter Value - Cat 3: 1500
WC/Companion ($TBC): TBC
Easy Access/Accessible ($TBC): TBC
Total: 3000
- Members who are on 36 active caps or above are in the top 70% of applicants for this match.
- Members who are on 40 active caps or more would be guaranteed a Supporter Value – Category 3 ticket should they apply for it.
- Members who have between 36 and 39 active caps would be guaranteed a ticket and are advised to apply for a Supporter Standard – Category 2 ticket and select the option to move down.
- Members who are on 35 caps or fewer, who have also been to 4 home and 2 away games as a minimum, would be entered into the ‘20% ballot’ and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
- All members who were entered into the 20% ballot, who were unsuccessful, and all remaining members who have been to at least one match in the current membership cycle, would be entered into the 10% ballot and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
Round of 16
The allocation and category splits for this fixture are as follows:
Supporter Premier - Cat 1: 750
Supporter Standard - Cat 2: 750
Supporter Value - Cat 3: 1500
WC/Companion ($TBC): TBC
Easy Access/Accessible ($TBC): TBC
Total: 3000
- Members who are on 39 active caps or above are in the top 70% of applicants for this match.
- Members who are on 43 active caps or more would be guaranteed a Supporter Value – Category 3 ticket should they apply for it.
- Members who have between 39 and 42 active caps would be guaranteed a ticket and are advised to apply for a Supporter Standard – Category 2 ticket and select the option to move down.
- Members who are on 38 caps or fewer, who have also been to 4 home and 2 away games as a minimum, would be entered into the ‘20% ballot’ and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
- All members who were entered into the 20% ballot, who were unsuccessful, and all remaining members who have been to at least one match in the current membership cycle, would be entered into the 10% ballot and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
Quarter-Final
The allocation and category splits for this fixture are as follows:
Supporter Premier - Cat 1: 875
Supporter Standard - Cat 2: 875
Supporter Value - Cat 3: 1750
WC/Companion ($TBC): TBC
Easy Access/Accessible ($TBC): TBC
Total: 3500
- Members who are on 36 active caps or above are in the top 70% of applicants for this match.
- Members who are on 39 active caps or more would be guaranteed a Supporter Value – Category 3 ticket should they apply for it.
- Members who have between 36 and 38 active caps would be guaranteed a ticket and are advised to apply for a Supporter Standard – Category 2 ticket and select the option to move down.
- Members who are on 35 caps or fewer, who have also been to 4 home and 2 away games as a minimum, would be entered into the ‘20% ballot’ and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
- All members who were entered into the 20% ballot, who were unsuccessful, and all remaining members who have been to at least one match in the current membership cycle, would be entered into the 10% ballot and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
Semi-Final
The allocation and category splits for this fixture are as follows:
Supporter Premier - Cat 1: 875
Supporter Standard - Cat 2: 875
Supporter Value - Cat 3: 1750
WC/Companion ($TBC): TBC
Easy Access/Accessible ($TBC): TBC
Total: 3500
- Members who are on 37 active caps or above are in the top 70% of applicants for this match.
- Members who are on 39 active caps or more would be guaranteed a Supporter Value – Category 3 ticket should they apply for it.
- Members who have between 37 and 38 active caps would be guaranteed a ticket and are advised to apply for a Supporter Standard – Category 2 ticket and select the option to move down.
- Members who are on 36 caps or fewer, who have also been to 4 home and 2 away games as a minimum, would be entered into the ‘20% ballot’ and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
- All members who were entered into the 20% ballot, who were unsuccessful, and all remaining members who have been to at least one match in the current membership cycle, would be entered into the 10% ballot and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
3rd Place Play-off
The allocation and category splits for this fixture are as follows:
Supporter Premier - Cat 1: 875
Supporter Standard - Cat 2: 875
Supporter Value - Cat 3: 1750
WC/Companion ($TBC): TBC
Easy Access/Accessible ($TBC): TBC
Total: 3500
- Members who are on 30 active caps or above are in the top 70% of applicants for this match.
- Members who are on 31 active caps or more would be guaranteed a Supporter Value – Category 3 ticket should they apply for it.
- Members who have between 23 and 30 active caps would be guaranteed a ticket and are advised to apply for a Supporter Standard – Category 2 ticket and select the option to move down.
- Members who are on 22 caps or fewer, who have also been to 4 home and 2 away games as a minimum, would be entered into the ‘20% ballot’ and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
- All members who were entered into the 20% ballot, who were unsuccessful, and all remaining members who have been to at least one match in the current membership cycle, would be entered into the 10% ballot and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
Final
The allocation and category splits for this fixture are as follows:
Supporter Premier - Cat 1: 1125
Supporter Standard - Cat 2: 1125
Supporter Value - Cat 3: 2250
WC/Companion ($TBC): TBC
Easy Access/Accessible ($TBC): TBC
Total: 4500
- Members who are on 39 active caps or above are in the top 70% of applicants for this match.
- Members who are on 43 active caps or more would be guaranteed a Supporter Value – Category 3 ticket should they apply for it.
- Members who have between 39 and 42 active caps would be guaranteed a ticket and are advised to apply for a Supporter Standard – Category 2 ticket and select the option to move down.
- Members who are on 38 caps or fewer, who have also been to 4 home and 2 away games as a minimum, would be entered into the ‘20% ballot’ and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.
- All members who were entered into the 20% ballot, who were unsuccessful, and all remaining members who have been to at least one match in the current membership cycle, would be entered into the 10% ballot and are advised to apply for Supporter Premier – Category 1 and select the option to move down.