FIFA Demands Payment After Ticket Glitch Gives Fans Free World Cup Seats

FIFA has acknowledged a ticketing error that allowed dozens of fans to obtain free tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and has asked those affected to pay the correct amount or risk losing their reservations.

 

The world football governing body said about 60 supporters were allocated tickets at no cost due to a payment issue during the checkout process.

 

In a statement posted on its X account 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.”

 

The organisation apologised for the error and clarified that the tickets remain reserved for the affected fans, who have been invited to complete payment.

 

“The tickets requested by these fans remain reserved, and the affected fans have been invited to complete payment of the correct amount,” FIFA stated.

 

According to reports, the supporters have been given seven days to make payment or forfeit their tickets.

 

Ticket Talk Network, which first reported the incident, said the affected tickets were for group-stage matches scheduled to be played in Toronto, Canada.

 

The development comes amid growing scrutiny of FIFA’s ticketing policies for the expanded 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

 

In May, fan advocacy group Football Supporters Europe (FSE) criticised the tournament’s pricing structure, describing it as “extortionate” and a “monumental betrayal” of supporters.

 

The group had earlier filed a complaint with the European Commission over what it described as excessive ticket prices.

 

The controversy intensified after FIFA Marketplace listed four tickets for the World Cup final on July 19 in New York at prices exceeding $2 million each.

 

However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the pricing, arguing that the organisation was operating within United States laws that permit ticket resales at significantly higher prices than face value.

 

On Tuesday, authorities in New York and New Jersey announced an investigation into whether FIFA’s ticketing practices violated consumer protection regulations.

 

The probe will examine allegations that ticket prices for about 90 of the tournament’s 104 matches rose by an average of 34 per cent during successive sales phases.

 

Investigators are also reviewing claims that fans were misled about seat availability and location, particularly after FIFA introduced a more expensive “front” category of tickets after sales had already commenced.

 

Officials have further requested explanations from FIFA over why ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup appear significantly higher than those charged at previous editions of the tournament.

 

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off on June 11 with opening matches in Mexico City and Guadalajara, while the final is scheduled to be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.