FIFA Wants Fans to Pay After Ticket Mix-Up

FIFA has admitted there was a mistake with ticket sales that let some fans grab free tickets for the 2026 World Cup. Now, FIFA is telling these fans to pay the right amount or lose their tickets.

The football governing body said around 60 fans received tickets marked as "0 USD" because of a payment problem during checkout.

In a statement 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 has apologized for the mix-up. They added that the tickets are still reserved, and the fans need to pay the correct amount.

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

Reports say fans have seven days to pay up or lose their tickets. Ticket Talk Network, which broke the story, mentioned that the free tickets were for group-stage matches in Toronto, Canada.

This incident happens while FIFA faces more scrutiny over ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup. This World Cup will be shared by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Earlier in May, FIFA faced backlash for the high prices of World Cup tickets. The fan group Football Supporters Europe (FSE) called the costs "extortionate" and a "monumental betrayal."

FSE took FIFA to court in March, complaining about the "excessive ticket prices" for the tournament. This came after FIFA's resale website, FIFA Marketplace, listed four tickets for the July 19 final in New York at over $2 million each.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the ticket prices. He said FIFA had to follow US laws that let tickets be sold for much higher than their original prices.

On Tuesday, officials in New York and New Jersey said they are looking into whether FIFA's ticket sales broke consumer protection laws.

The investigation will check claims that ticket prices for about 90 of the 104 matches in the tournament rose by an average of 34% as the sales went on.

Authorities are also looking into claims that fans were misled about the availability and location of seats. This came after FIFA introduced pricier "front" category tickets after sales had already started.

Investigators want FIFA to explain why ticket prices for the 2026 tournament are higher than those from past World Cups.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off on June 11 with matches in Mexico City and Guadalajara. The final will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.