FIFA has admitted to a ticketing glitch that enabled dozens of supporters to obtain free tickets for the 2026 World Cup and has now instructed them to pay the correct fees or risk losing their seats.
The global football governing body disclosed that around 60 fans were issued tickets valued at “0 USD” after a payment error occurred during the checkout stage.
In a statement posted on its X handle on Thursday, FIFA said, “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.”
FIFA apologised for the mix-up and stated that the tickets are still being held for the affected supporters pending payment.
“The tickets requested by these fans remain reserved, and the affected fans have been invited to complete payment of the correct amount,” the organisation said.
Reports indicated that the affected fans were given a seven-day deadline to make payment or lose their allocations.
Ticket Talk Network, which first revealed the incident, reported that the tickets involved were for group-stage matches set to take place in Toronto, Canada.
The development adds to increasing concerns surrounding FIFA’s ticketing system for the expanded 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Earlier in May, fan advocacy group Football Supporters Europe criticised FIFA over World Cup ticket prices, describing the pricing model as “extortionate” and a “monumental betrayal”.
FSE had in March filed a lawsuit before the European Commission against FIFA over what it described as “excessive ticket prices” for the competition.
The action followed listings on FIFA’s official resale platform, FIFA Marketplace, where four tickets for the July 19 final in New York were advertised at prices exceeding $2 million each.
However, FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the pricing, arguing that the organisation was operating within US laws permitting tickets to be resold far above their original prices.
On Tuesday, officials in New York and New Jersey announced a probe into whether FIFA’s ticketing procedures breached consumer protection regulations.
Authorities are investigating allegations that ticket prices for about 90 of the tournament’s 104 matches rose by an average of 34 per cent as different sales phases progressed.
The investigation is also examining claims that fans were misled over seat availability and positioning after FIFA introduced pricier “front” category tickets after ticket sales had already commenced.
Investigators have further requested clarification from FIFA on why ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup are significantly higher than those of previous editions.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off on June 11 with opening matches in Mexico City and Guadalajara, while the final is scheduled for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
