🎟⚽ Is StubHub Legit for World Cup Tickets? What Fans Need to Know
- 🌎 World Cup ticket prices continue to rise, leading many fans to explore secondary marketplaces like StubHub and SeatGeek.
- ✅ StubHub.com and StubHub International both offer a 100% money-back guarantee if there is an issue with your tickets.
- 🇺🇸 American fans can safely use StubHub International to purchase World Cup tickets.
- 📱 Regardless of where tickets are purchased, fans must use the official FIFA World Cup app to access and manage their tickets.
- 🔄 After purchase, sellers transfer tickets to buyers through FIFA’s official ticketing system.
- ⏰ World Cup ticket barcodes typically do not become active until a few hours before kickoff, which is normal across all marketplaces.
- 🚫 FIFA, StubHub, and SeatGeek often halt ticket sales shortly before matches begin.
- 📅 Fans should purchase tickets with enough time for sellers to complete the transfer process before match day.
- 🤝 Traveling Tailgaters is a proud partner with StubHub International.
The latest World Cup ticket prices are higher than ever, prompting outrage from fans. While we cannot do much about the high FIFA prices, we can offer you an honest review of using StubHub to buy World Cup tickets.
Is StubHub a legit and safe site to buy World Cup tickets? The short answer is yes, but let us explain why.
Three of the most popular options for buying World Cup tickets include purchasing directly from FIFA, buying from StubHub or using SeatGeek. There are actually two ways to buy tickets from FIFA: through their resale platform or directly from FIFA.
The challenge is FIFA’s World Cup resale site is not exactly intuitive. Often times, prices listed are not actually available and fans have to manually click each seat in an attempt to randomly find the ticket you are looking for.
I just used StubHub International to buy tickets for the United States’ game against Australia in Seattle, one of the most in-demand matches in the entire tournament. Here’s an honest review of my experience.
What Is StubHub.IE? Is It Legit and Safe to Buy World Cup Tickets?
Some American fans may not know this, but there is an international version of StubHub. Just like StubHub.com, StubHub.IE offers fans a 100% money back guarantee if there is an issue with your event.
The main difference in the two sites is that StubHub International also offers tickets to events all over the world. So, tourists can use StubHub.IE to buy World Cup tickets, but so can American fans.
Recently, I found a lower bowl seat for the USA-Australia game which was about $500 cheaper than the get-in prices on any of the other websites at the time. Not only was it cheaper, but the seats were infinitely better than the cheapest seats elsewhere.
The price for the same section on FIFA’s resale site was double the cost I paid.
Can you Trust StubHub for Legit and Safe World Cup tickets?
No matter what site you choose, things are a bit more complicated when buying World Cup tickets. Both StubHub sites are a completely safe and a legit way to buy World Cup tickets.
Here’s the process to make sure your StubHub World Cup tickets are legit. First, you will choose the tickets you want to buy which typically include the section. After the purchase, you will wait for the seller to send you the tickets.
No matter what site you purchase World Cup tickets from, you will need to download the free FIFA World Cup app to access the seats and enter the stadium. In my case, days before the event the seller transferred the tickets and they appeared in my app under my name.
FIFA, StubHub and SeatGeek Often Halt World Cup Ticket Sales Hours Before the Game
The one catch is that the barcode does not show up until a couple hours before the match. This is completely normal and is the case no matter the site where you buy the tickets.
I was still able to add the World Cup ticket to my wallet days before the game, and FIFA noted that it will be valid at a certain time on match day.
One important note, often times fans can wait until a game starts to find cheap tickets. During the World Cup, sites like StubHub are often halting sales a few hours before the match. You will want to make sure you buy your tickets while they are available and with plenty of time for the seller to transfer the seats.
After years of independent reviews praising StubHub, we are pleased to announce that Traveling Tailgaters is a proud partner with StubHub International. At no additional cost to the reader, we get a small percentage of sales made using any of the above links. This helps us continue to make free content for fans at no cost to the reader.
World Cup Tickets FAQ
Is StubHub legit for World Cup tickets?
Yes. StubHub is one of the largest ticket marketplaces in the world and offers buyer protection through its 100% money-back guarantee if there is an issue with your order.
Is StubHub International safe to use?
Yes. StubHub International operates similarly to StubHub.com and allows fans to buy tickets to sporting events, concerts, and major international events around the world.
What is StubHub.IE?
StubHub.IE is the international version of StubHub. The platform provides access to events worldwide, including FIFA World Cup matches, Premier League games, Champions League fixtures, and other major sporting events.
Can Americans buy World Cup tickets on StubHub International?
Yes. Fans in the United States can purchase World Cup tickets through StubHub International just like international travelers.
How do World Cup ticket transfers work?
After purchasing tickets, sellers transfer the seats through FIFA’s official ticketing system. Once accepted, the tickets appear in the buyer’s FIFA World Cup app.
Do I need the FIFA World Cup app to use my tickets?
Yes. All fans attending World Cup matches must use the official FIFA World Cup app to access and manage their tickets.
Why doesn’t my World Cup ticket show a barcode?
This is normal. FIFA typically activates ticket barcodes only a few hours before kickoff, regardless of where the ticket was purchased.
Is FIFA’s resale marketplace the best place to buy World Cup tickets?
Not necessarily. Fans may find better prices or seating locations by comparing FIFA’s resale platform with StubHub, SeatGeek, and other trusted secondary marketplaces.
Why should I buy World Cup tickets early?
Waiting too long can create problems because:
- Sellers need time to transfer tickets.
- Prices may increase.
- Ticket marketplaces often stop sales shortly before kickoff.
Does StubHub stop selling World Cup tickets before matches?
Yes. Like FIFA and SeatGeek, StubHub often halts sales several hours before kickoff to allow time for ticket transfers and verification.
Can I add World Cup tickets to my mobile wallet before gameday?
Yes. In many cases, tickets can be added to a mobile wallet before kickoff even though the barcode is not yet active.
What should fans look for when buying World Cup tickets?
Fans should follow these steps:
- Compare prices across multiple marketplaces.
- Review buyer protection policies.
- Purchase from reputable platforms.
- Allow plenty of time for ticket transfers.
- Download the FIFA World Cup app before match day.
Does Traveling Tailgaters earn money from ticket purchases?
Yes. Traveling Tailgaters is a partner of StubHub International and may receive a small commission when readers purchase tickets through affiliate links. This comes at no additional cost to fans and helps support free content on the site.
is a sports and news contributor based in Atlanta, Georgia. For more than a decade, Jonathan has written for top media outlets like SI, Athlon Sports, Heavy.com and BetUS among others. Jonathan has traveled all over the world, attending major sporting events in England, Brazil, Italy and Spain. He graduated from UCF with a Master of Sport Business Management degree and has worked inside the industry in a variety of capacities in the sports world. Follow him on Twitter @JonDAdams.
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