World Cup: FIFA demands payment after glitch gives fans free tickets

FIFA is demanding payment from approximately 60 fans who received free tickets for the 2026 World Cup due to a ticketing glitch. The error occurred during the checkout process, resulting in tickets being allocated at "0 USD" for some supporters.

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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 confirmed the issue via its X account on Thursday, stating that the affected fans received communications regarding the error. While apologizing for the inconvenience, the organization emphasized that the tickets remain reserved and invited the fans to complete the payment for the correct amount. Reports indicate that these fans have a seven-day window to finalize their payment, after which they risk forfeiting their seats.

The tickets in question are reportedly for group-stage matches scheduled to be held in Toronto, Canada. This ticketing mishap comes at a time when FIFA is facing increased scrutiny over its ticketing arrangements for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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

Earlier in May, FIFA drew criticism from fan organizations like Football Supporters Europe (FSE) over the high cost of World Cup tickets, with FSE labeling the pricing structure as "extortionate" and a "monumental betrayal." FSE has also filed a lawsuit with the European Commission concerning "excessive ticket prices."

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FIFA Marketplace, advertised four tickets to the July 19 final in New York at a cost of more than $2 million each.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the pricing, citing U.S. laws that permit ticket resales at significantly higher than face value. Meanwhile, authorities in New York and New Jersey have launched an investigation into whether FIFA's ticketing practices violate consumer protection laws. This investigation will examine claims of price increases for many matches and allegations of misleading information regarding seat availability and location, particularly after the introduction of more expensive "front" category tickets.

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the body was obliged to take advantage of US laws that allow tickets to be resold for thousands of dollars above face value.