FIFA has admitted to a ticketing error that allowed dozens of fans to obtain free tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is now requesting payment from those affected or risk having their tickets cancelled.
The world football governing body confirmed that around 60 supporters were mistakenly allocated tickets at a cost of $0 due to a payment processing issue during checkout.
In a statement posted on its official X account on Thursday, June 4, 2026, FIFA said:
“FIFA can confirm that approximately 60 FIFA World Cup 2026 fans received a communication on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, regarding tickets that had been allocated at no charge (0 USD) due to a prior payment issue during the checkout process.”
While apologising for the error, FIFA assured fans that their tickets remain reserved and that they have been contacted to complete payment for 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,” the organisation added.
Reports indicate that supporters have been given seven days to make payment or forfeit their tickets. Ticket Talk Network, which first revealed the issue, stated that the affected tickets were for group-stage matches scheduled to take place in Toronto, Canada.
The incident adds to growing scrutiny surrounding FIFA’s ticketing system for the expanded 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Earlier in May, FIFA faced criticism over ticket prices after fan advocacy group Football Supporters Europe (FSE) described the pricing structure as “extortionate” and a “monumental betrayal” of supporters.
The organisation had already filed a complaint with the European Commission in March, alleging excessive ticket pricing after FIFA’s resale platform advertised tickets for the July 19 final in New York at prices exceeding $2 million per seat.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the pricing model, arguing that the organisation was operating within U.S. laws that permit ticket resales at significantly higher prices than their original value.
Meanwhile, authorities in New York and New Jersey have launched an investigation into whether FIFA’s ticketing practices violated consumer protection laws. Investigators are examining claims that ticket prices for roughly 90 of the tournament’s 104 matches increased by an average of 34 percent during successive sales phases.
Officials are also reviewing allegations that fans were misled about seat availability and locations after FIFA introduced higher-priced “front” category tickets after sales had already begun.
The investigation will further assess why ticket prices for the 2026 tournament have risen far above those seen at previous World Cups.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to kick off on June 11 with matches in Mexico City and Guadalajara, while the final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.