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.
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 the accreditation of 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 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 mandatory security check
Accreditation confirmations will be sent starting in March 2026
Media Tickets
Media accreditation does not grant access to matches by default. 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 a maximum of one 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.
