FIFA Demands Payment from Fans for Free World Cup Tickets

FIFA confirmed that approximately 60 fans received tickets for the 2026 World Cup at no charge due to a payment issue during the checkout process. The organization issued a statement on Thursday, June 3, apologizing for the error and informing fans that they must complete payment for their tickets to retain them.

Fans were given a seven-day period to make the payment or risk forfeiting their tickets. This incident occurred amidst growing scrutiny of FIFA's ticketing arrangements for the expanded 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

FIFA has faced criticism regarding ticket pricing, with allegations of extortionate costs and a lawsuit filed by the Football Supporters Europe (FSE) targeting FIFA's ticket pricing practices. The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11, with the final match set to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.