Key ticket dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1 October 2026 | Official ticket ballot opens |
| 21 November 2026, 23:59 SAST | Ballot closes (3:29 AM IST on 22 November) |
| After the ballot closes | Successful applicants are emailed and given a set window to pay |
| Later in 2027 | Any remaining tickets may be released in further sales phases |
How the ticket ballot works
The tournament organisers chose a ballot so that fans everywhere get a fair chance, whatever their time zone or internet speed. The main rules are:
- Entering is free. You don't pay anything when you apply.
- Timing doesn't matter. Every valid entry made between 1 October and 21 November 2026 is treated equally, so there's no need to rush on day one.
- Up to four tickets per match. You can apply for several matches, but only one entry per person per match.
- Random draw where demand is high. If a match gets more requests than there are seats, a random draw decides who gets tickets.
- Pay only if you're successful. Winners get an email and a deadline to complete payment.
Step-by-step: how to enter
- Go to the official tournament ticketing website (linked from the ICC's official site; the address announced was tickets.cricketworldcup.com). Type it in yourself rather than clicking links in messages.
- Create an account with your real name and an email address you check regularly.
- Choose your matches. Our full schedule lists every date, venue and start time.
- Pick a ticket category and quantity (up to four) for each match.
- Submit before 23:59 South African time on 21 November 2026.
- Watch your inbox, including spam, for the result email, and pay within the window you're given.
How much will tickets cost?
Official prices for each category hadn't been widely published when we last checked. Past World Cups in South Africa have had some of the most affordable international cricket tickets, and the organisers have said they want grounds full of local fans. We'll update this page with confirmed prices. Until then, be wary of anyone quoting "guaranteed" prices.
Which matches are hardest to get?
Based on stadium size and demand at past tournaments:
- Very high demand: India v Pakistan (Wanderers), the final (Wanderers), both semi-finals, India v Australia (Newlands), South Africa v New Zealand (Newlands).
- Small grounds, quick to sell out: matches at Boland Park in Paarl (about 10,000), Harare, Victoria Falls and Windhoek (about 7,000).
- Easier to get: most weekday group matches between non-host teams at larger grounds such as Kingsmead and Mangaung Oval.
See all venues with capacities.
Avoid ticket scams
- Only use the official ticketing site. Social media "sellers", WhatsApp groups and unofficial resale sites are the main source of fake tickets at major events.
- No-one can guarantee ballot success. Anyone charging a fee to "enter the ballot for you" or promising guaranteed tickets is not legitimate.
- Never share your account password or one-time codes.
- Hospitality packages should only be bought through providers named by the official organisers.
- Tickets are usually tied to the buyer. Unofficial resale can get you refused at the gate.
Hospitality and travel packages
Official hospitality packages (premium seating with food and drink) and authorised travel packages are usually announced separately. We'll list them here once they're confirmed. Planning a trip? Read our travel guide.