FIFA has asked dozens of fans to pay for 2026 World Cup tickets they received for free because of a ticketing system error.
The football body said about 60 supporters got tickets at a price of 0 USD after a payment issue occurred during checkout.
In a statement on X, FIFA confirmed the mistake and apologized to the affected fans.
“FIFA can confirm that approximately 60 FIFA World Cup 2026 fans received tickets at no charge due to a payment issue during the checkout process,” the statement said.
FIFA added that the tickets remain reserved for the supporters. However, the fans must now pay the correct amount to keep their seats.
Reports say FIFA has given the affected supporters seven days to complete payment. Fans who fail to pay could lose their tickets.
Ticket Talk Network first reported the issue. The affected tickets were for group-stage matches in Toronto, Canada.
Ticket Pricing Under Fire
The incident comes as FIFA faces growing criticism over ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup.
The tournament will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Earlier this year, Football Supporters Europe (FSE) criticised FIFA’s pricing policy. The supporters’ group described the prices as “extortionate” and a “monumental betrayal” of fans.
In March, FSE filed a complaint with the European Commission over what it called excessive ticket costs.
Concerns increased after FIFA Marketplace listed packages for the World Cup final in New York for more than $2 million per ticket.
Authorities Open Investigation
FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the prices. He said FIFA operates under U.S. laws that allow ticket resales at much higher prices than face value.
Meanwhile, authorities in New York and New Jersey have launched an investigation into FIFA’s ticketing practices.
Investigators will examine claims that ticket prices for many matches rose by an average of 34 percent during different sales phases.
Officials are also reviewing complaints about seat availability and ticket categories.
They want FIFA to explain why prices for the 2026 World Cup are higher than those of previous tournaments.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will begin on June 11 in Mexico. The final will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
