World Cup 2026: FIFA officially opens media accreditation

FIFA has announced that the media accreditation process for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is now open for media representatives and non-rights holders (NRHs).

The media accreditation process is exclusively handled via the FIFA Media Hub.

Due to very high demand, a structured and quota-based process will apply.

This advisory explains who can apply, how to apply, and when to apply.

Key Dates

Accreditation opens: 26 January 2026

Application deadline: 31 March 2026

Who Can Apply

Media accreditation is available for:

Written press (print and digital)

Photographers

International and national news agencies

Radio and TV non-rights holders (limited)

FIFA Media Partners (rights holders)

FIFA Media Partnerships will be directly responsible for accrediting FIFA Media Partners (rights-holding media organisations).

The FIFA Media Partnerships team is in regular contact with the Media Partners and will inform them directly about the accreditation procedure and other accreditation-related matters.

A reference document with tips and guidelines for media accreditation is also available below.

FIFA Media Hub – Mandatory

All applications must be submitted via the FIFA Media Hub.

To apply, you must have:

An approved FIFA Media Hub account

Media Hub accounts are personal and must not be shared.

Accreditation Control Keys & Quotas

Accreditation for the written press and photographers is managed via FIFA Member Associations.

Each Member Association receives a limited quota based on:

Previous World Cup participation

Qualification status for FIFA World Cup 2026

Member Associations distribute control keys to media organisations and freelancers.

Media representatives must contact their FIFA Member Association to request a control key.

Radio and television non-rights holders

Non-rights holders (NRHs) are radio and television companies that do not have media rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

NRHs will be able to apply for media accreditation without a control key. We wish to stress that the number of NRH accreditations will be very limited and that the matchday access policies are still to be defined.

For any questions regarding the accreditation of NRHs, please contact nrh@fifa.org.

Host Countries (Canada, Mexico, USA)

Media representatives and freelancers working for organisations based in Canada, Mexico or the United States will follow a process coordinated directly by FIFA. Further information is available on the FIFA Media Hub.

Application & Approval

Applications close on 31 March 2026

All applicants undergo a mandatory security check.

Accreditation confirmations will be sent starting in March 2026

Media Tickets

Media accreditation does not automatically grant access to matches. Accreditation provides access only to the stadium media centre.

Access on matchday to designated media or photo positions, attend press conferences, or access the mixed zone, media representatives must hold a separate, approved media ticket for the specific match.

Without a valid media ticket, stadium entry will be limited, even if accreditation has been approved. Media ticket applications will open shortly after accreditation launches.

Requests must be submitted via the FIFA Media Hub or FIFA Media App.

Only accredited applicants may request tickets.

At this stage, media tickets can only be requested for group-stage matches.

Media may request up to 1 match per day.

Visas

Media are strongly advised to start their visa application process as early as possible.

Please note that the visa process is not linked to the accreditation process, and media representatives do not need to wait for accreditation approval before applying for a visa.

Please see the Visa Guidelines for further information.

Stay Informed

All official updates, procedures, and FAQs will be published on the FIFA Media Hub. Media representatives are encouraged to check the platform regularly.

For any questions or issues related to your FIFA Media Hub profile or the accreditation process, please contact us via the FIFA Media Hub Contact Form.