PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The first pre-sale ticket lottery for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is happening Thursday.

It's open exclusively to fans with Visa debit or credit cards, or those with a prepaid Visa card.

FIFA says within the first few hours, there were extended wait times.

Philadelphia is one of 16 host cities for next year's 39-day event.

The current ticket lottery runs through the 19.

The next chance for tickets is October 27.

Dates for FIFA World Cup 2026 in Philadelphia

The first group stage match in Philadelphia will be on Sunday, June 14.

The next will be five days later on Friday, June 19. The next group stage will be on Monday, June 22, as well as final group stage contests on Thursday, June 25, and Saturday, June 27.

The Round-of-16 will be on July 4, 2026.

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