FIFA cancels free World Cup tickets issued after website error

ISLAMABAD: FIFA has withdrawn World Cup tickets issued at no cost to about 60 fans after a website problem allowed them to complete purchases without paying, according to a statement the governing body posted on X.

FIFA said the affected supporters were informed on Wednesday that their tickets had been allocated at 0 USD because of an earlier payment issue during the checkout process. The organisation said those tickets remain reserved and that the fans have been asked to pay the correct amount.

In its statement, FIFA said the tickets were 'allocated at no charge (0 USD) due to a prior payment issue during the checkout process'. It added that the tickets requested by those fans remain reserved and that the affected buyers have been invited to complete payment. FIFA also said it regretted the error and the inconvenience caused.

The development is the latest problem in a ticketing process that has already drawn criticism for the 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Last week, the attorneys general of New York and New Jersey said they had issued a subpoena to FIFA over its ticketing practices amid concerns about where fans would be seated at World Cup matches. The 48-team tournament is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19.