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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is imminent. Just days before kickoff on June 11, 2026, the event is taking place partly in Canada with 13 matches split between Toronto and Vancouver. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend one of the planet’s greatest sporting spectacles on our home turf.
For soccer and travel enthusiasts, the challenge is twofold: securing tickets when the main official lotteries have ended, and managing your budget as dynamic pricing drives costs up. This complete guide presents all the up-to-date strategies as of May 2026 to maximize your chances of getting tickets, reduce your transportation and accommodation costs, and use your credit card and points wisely.
The three main official ticketing phases are now closed: the Visa presale lottery (ended September 19, 2025), the RBC contest (ended October 29, 2025), and the “Early Ticket Draw” (closed October 31, 2025). The group draw took place on December 5, 2025, in Washington, followed by a “Random Selection Draw” allowing fans to target specific matches.
To date, more than 500 million requests have been processed by FIFA. The availability of tickets for direct sale is now historically low.
Since April 1, 2026, FIFA has opened its last-minute sales phase. Unlike previous phases, this is no longer a lottery: tickets are allocated on a “first come, first served” basis, with immediate confirmation. This is the last opportunity to purchase official tickets directly from FIFA.
If direct sales are sold out, the official FIFA resale platform has been open since October 2025. It’s the only authorized site where you can buy or sell verified tickets at regulated prices. Beware of unofficial platforms: as the tournament approaches, scams are multiplying.
For more details, check out our article on the 2026 FIFA World Cup: How to Secure Tickets.
Following the draw on December 5, 2025, here is the complete official schedule of the 13 matches taking place in Canada. Canada plays all three of its group stage matches at home, including its opening match in Toronto on June 12 against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card is an excellent choice for travelers heading to the World Cup. It combines a generous welcome bonus, 2 to 3 points per dollar on essential categories, and most importantly: no foreign transaction fees on purchases in foreign currencies.
This 2.5% savings advantage on every transaction abroad makes all the difference if you plan to attend matches in the United States or Mexico in addition to Canada.
Additionally, the 6 annual airport lounge passes and comprehensive travel insurance make it an ideal travel companion. Your Scene+ points apply directly to all your travel expenses (flights, hotels, Airbnb) at the attractive rate of 1,000 points = $10 off.
Milesopedia named this card the Best Credit Card Without Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026. For sports fans planning a cross-border trip, it’s a tangible advantage worth hundreds of dollars in savings.
Here’s how to get the most out of the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card depending on which country you attend matches in.
Just weeks before kickoff, the price surge is already well underway in hotels and Airbnb in both host cities. Availability in central areas is extremely limited. It’s essential to explore alternative accommodation options.
Don’t hesitate to target Marriott Bonvoy hotels located on the outskirts of Toronto and Vancouver, accessible by public transit or car. Prioritize using your free night certificates, which are your best asset for saving on a multi-day stay.
The great advantage of Scene+ points lies in their flexibility. They apply to all your travel expenses without restriction, including Airbnb rentals and any other travel expense. With 50,000 Scene+ points accumulated through your Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card, you get $500 to apply to any accommodation.
To learn all the best search tips, check out our article 2026 FIFA World Cup: How to Save on Accommodation.
Given the exceptional demand expected, book your flights as soon as possible to avoid soaring prices. As the tournament approaches, fares climb week after week, especially for flights to Toronto, Vancouver, and major U.S. cities.
Start with Google Flights and its “Explore” feature to identify the best opportunities to host cities. If you have Aeroplan points, WestJet or VIPorter, now is the time to use them. The 2026 FIFA is the perfect occasion to redeem your patiently accumulated points.
Read our article 2026 FIFA World Cup: Affordable Flights with Points to learn all the details.
If you’re traveling to watch matches in the United States and Mexico, the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card saves you from paying 2.5% in foreign transaction fees on all your transactions. Plus, it’s a Visa card, and Visa is the official payment partner of FIFA. It’s the only payment method accepted on ticketing platforms, souvenir kiosks, and on-site at official venues.
Here are the most common pitfalls we see among travelers preparing for the World Cup. Avoid them and you’ll protect both your budget and your peace of mind.
Didn’t get tickets? It’s not the end of the story. You can still experience the FIFA atmosphere thanks to the official Fan Festival zones organized in each host city. Giant screens, musical performances, food trucks, children’s activities: the experience is festive and accessible to all, free of charge.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a unique opportunity to experience a major global event on our home turf. With good planning, strategic use of points, and the right credit card in hand, you can turn this dream into an accessible reality.
Check out our guides on the 2026 FIFA World Cup host cities:
Savings this way:
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