FIFA has admitted to a ticketing error that allowed around 60 supporters to obtain free tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and has now asked the affected fans to pay the correct amount or risk losing their reservations.
The world football governing body confirmed the issue in a statement released on Thursday after reports emerged that several supporters had been allocated tickets at "0 USD" because of a payment-processing problem during checkout.
"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 said.
The organisation added that the tickets had not been cancelled and that supporters still have an opportunity to secure them by paying 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 said, before adding: "FIFA regrets the error and any inconvenience caused."
According to reports, the affected supporters were given seven days to make payment, failing which their ticket allocations would be cancelled.
The issue was first highlighted by Ticket Talk Network, which reported that the tickets were purchased on May 21 and linked to group‑stage matches in Toronto, Canada.
The incident comes as FIFA faces growing criticism over ticket prices for the expanded 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States (US), Canada and Mexico.
Supporters' organisation, Football Supporters Europe (FSE), has been among the most vocal critics. Earlier this year, the group filed a complaint with the European Commission, accusing FIFA of charging excessive prices and describing some of the costs associated with attending the tournament as "extortionate" and a "monumental betrayal" of football fans.
Concerns intensified after tickets for the final at MetLife Stadium appeared on FIFA's resale marketplace for more than $2 million (Sh260 million) each.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the pricing model, arguing that FIFA is operating within United States regulations that permit ticket resales at significantly higher prices than face value.
The controversy has also attracted the attention of authorities in New York and New Jersey, who recently launched an investigation into whether FIFA's ticketing practices violate consumer protection laws.
Officials are examining allegations that prices for approximately 90 of the tournament's 104 matches increased by an average of 34 per cent during different sales phases. Investigators are also reviewing claims that supporters were misled about ticket availability and seating categories after FIFA introduced more expensive ticket options after sales had already begun.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to generate record revenues for FIFA and is projected to become the most lucrative tournament in the competition's history. However, the latest ticketing mishap has added fresh scrutiny to an already controversial sales process.
While only a small number of supporters benefited from the glitch, the incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about transparency, affordability and accessibility ahead of football's biggest event.
The tournament will kick off on June 11, 2026, in Mexico, while the final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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