FIFA Ticketing Error Gives Fans Free Tickets

NEW DELHI — FIFA has acknowledged a ticketing error that allowed a small number of fans to obtain FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets at no cost, later canceling the bookings and asking supporters to pay the correct price to retain their reservations.

Football’s world governing body said approximately 60 fans were affected after tickets were allocated at “0 USD” because of a payment issue during the checkout process.

“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.

“The tickets requested by these fans remain reserved, and the affected fans have been invited to complete payment of the correct amount. FIFA regrets the error and any inconvenience caused,” FIFA said in a statement.

According to an email reportedly sent by FIFA and shared online by Ticket Talk Network, the tickets affected by the error were canceled and fans were informed they would receive a full refund for any payments made in connection with those orders.

The email stated that FIFA had identified and resolved a ticketing issue that affected a small number of tickets sold through its ticketing platform. Fans whose orders were canceled were informed that the same tickets would remain reserved in their FIFA ticketing accounts for seven days, giving them an opportunity to repurchase them at the correct price.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. (IANS)