The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has confirmed that a website error resulted in dozens of fans receiving tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at no cost.
According to reports, approximately 60 supporters were able to secure tickets priced at "0 USD" after a payment issue during checkout.
In a statement released to Sky News, FIFA acknowledged the error and said affected fans have now been contacted and instructed to complete payment for the tickets.
"FIFA can confirm that approximately 60 FIFA World Cup 2026 fans received a communication on Wednesday, June 3, regarding tickets that had been allocated at no charge (0 USD) due to a prior payment issue during the checkout process," the statement said.
While expressing regret over the incident, FIFA stressed that the tickets were not intended to be free and that supporters must now pay the correct amount to retain their seats.
"The tickets requested by these fans remain reserved, and the affected fans have been invited to complete payment of the correct amount," FIFA added.
Fans reportedly have seven days to settle the payment or risk losing their ticket allocations. Reports indicate that the affected tickets were all for group-stage matches scheduled to be played in Toronto, Canada.
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The incident comes amid growing scrutiny over FIFA's ticketing operations for the expanded 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Earlier this week, authorities in New York and New Jersey announced investigations into whether FIFA's ticketing practices breached consumer protection laws.
The investigations are examining issues, including variable pricing, which has led to significant fluctuations in ticket costs and complaints from supporters over seat relocations.
FIFA has confirmed a website glitch has left dozens of fans getting free tickets for the World Cup 2026https://t.co/hehKjj0NeL
— Sky News (@SkyNews) June 5, 2026
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