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Mobile phones are key to World Cup entry, sparking fan unease

From Svenska Dagbladet · () Swedish

Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • FIFA's new mobile-only ticketing app for the 2026 World Cup is causing concern among Swedish fans.
  • The app is essential for entry to matches, but fans worry about reliance on functional mobile devices and connectivity.
  • Despite concerns, the app has become highly downloaded, with thousands of tickets sold to Swedish supporters.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, FIFA's shift to a mobile-only ticketing system is raising anxieties among Swedish football fans. The new ticketing app has surged in popularity, becoming the sole method for accessing matches, with thousands of tickets already sold to Swedish supporters through the official fan club.

However, the reliance on a functional smartphone and a stable internet connection has sparked significant worry. Fans like Susanne Wänberg Petersson, who is traveling to the USA with friends to follow Sweden's World Cup journey, expressed surprise and concern upon discovering the app's necessity and the potential for technical issues.

The app is now absolutely crucial for supporters who want to get into the matches – as it is the only place where the tickets are.

The article highlights the app's central role in match access.

The system aims to enhance security and reduce fraud, but the dependence on technology presents a new challenge for supporters. The potential for mobile device failure or connectivity problems could leave fans unable to enter stadiums, casting a shadow over the excitement of the tournament.

When she opened the app to see if the tickets she had bought had been uploaded, she was surprised.

Describes a fan's reaction to the ticketing system.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Svenska Dagbladet in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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