The Fédération Internationale de Football Association has confirmed a ticketing error that mistakenly allowed dozens of football fans to secure free tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the organisation now demanding payment from affected supporters or risk cancellation of their seats.
In a statement posted on its X handle on Thursday, FIFA acknowledged that about 60 fans were allocated tickets at “0 USD” because of a payment processing issue during checkout.
“FIFA can confirm that approximately 60 FIFA World Cup 2026 fans received a communication on Wednesday, 3 June, regarding tickets that had been allocated at no charge (0 USD) due to a prior payment issue during the checkout process,” the organisation stated.
The development has sparked renewed criticism over FIFA’s ticketing process ahead of the tournament scheduled to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
FIFA apologised for the error but maintained that the tickets remain reserved pending proper payment by the affected fans.
“The tickets requested by these fans remain reserved, and the affected fans have been invited to complete payment of the correct amount,” the football governing body added.
According to reports by Ticket Talk Network, supporters affected by the glitch have been given seven days to pay for the tickets or forfeit them entirely.
The affected tickets were reportedly for group-stage matches scheduled to take place in Toronto, Canada.
Ticket controversy
The incident comes amid growing scrutiny over FIFA’s ticketing system and pricing structure for the expanded 2026 World Cup.
In May, fan advocacy group Football Supporters Europe criticised FIFA over what it described as “extortionate” ticket prices for the tournament.
The organisation also filed a lawsuit before the European Commission over allegations of excessive pricing and unfair ticketing practices.
The controversy intensified after FIFA’s official resale platform reportedly advertised four tickets for the World Cup final in New York at prices exceeding $2 million each.
FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, however defended the pricing system, arguing that United States laws permit ticket resales at significantly higher prices than face value.
Investigations underway
Authorities in New York and New Jersey have also launched investigations into FIFA’s ticketing practices amid concerns that some arrangements may violate consumer protection laws.
The probe is expected to examine allegations that ticket prices for nearly 90 matches increased by an average of 34 per cent across different sales phases.
Investigators are also reviewing complaints that some fans were allegedly misled about seat locations and availability after FIFA introduced more expensive “front” category tickets after initial sales had commenced.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin on 11 June 2026, with opening matches in Mexico City and Guadalajara, while the final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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