FIFA Moves To Recover Cost Of 2026 World Cup Tickets Issued For Free

FIFA has admitted to a ticketing error that saw dozens of supporters receive free tickets for the 2026 World Cup and is now asking them to pay the correct amount or risk losing their seats.

The world football governing body said around 60 fans were allocated tickets at “0 USD” after a payment issue during the checkout process.

In a statement posted on 𝕏 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 mistake but stressed that the tickets remain reserved for the affected supporters while payment is completed.

“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.

Fans have been given seven days to settle the outstanding balance or forfeit their tickets. According to Ticket Talk Network, which first reported the issue, the affected seats were for group-stage matches scheduled to take place in Toronto, Canada.

The incident adds to growing scrutiny of FIFA’s ticketing system ahead of the expanded 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Earlier in May, fan group Football Supporters Europe criticised World Cup ticket prices, describing the structure as “extortionate” and a “monumental betrayal”. The organisation had already lodged a complaint with the European Commission in March over what it called excessive pricing for the tournament.

The controversy intensified after FIFA’s resale platform advertised four tickets for the final on 19 July in New York at more than $2 million each.

However, Gianni Infantino defended the pricing, arguing that FIFA was operating within US laws that permit tickets to be resold at prices far above face value.

On Tuesday, authorities in New York and New Jersey announced an investigation into whether World Cup ticket sales breached consumer protection laws.

The probe will examine claims that prices for about 90 of the tournament’s 104 matches rose by an average of 34 per cent as sales phases progressed.

Investigators are also reviewing allegations that supporters were misled about seat locations and availability after FIFA introduced more expensive “front” category tickets during the sales process.

Officials have further requested an explanation as to why ticket prices for the 2026 tournament have surpassed those seen at previous World Cups.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is due to kick off on 11 June with matches in Mexico City and Guadalajara, while the final will be staged at MetLife Stadium in the United States.