FIFA has canceled approximately 60 World Cup tickets mistakenly sold for free due to a website error, requiring affected fans to pay the full price. The tickets remain reserved, and FIFA has invited those impacted to complete payment. The error occurred during the checkout process, where tickets were allocated at no charge due to a prior payment issue. FIFA expressed regret for the inconvenience.
The latest issue follows ongoing controversies surrounding the 2026 World Cup ticketing process. Last week, the attorneys general of New York and New Jersey issued a subpoena to FIFA over concerns about fans' seat locations. The 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, runs from June 11 to July 19.
Separately, FIFA has faced criticism for delays in reimbursing fans who sold tickets through its official resale platform. Some supporters, including one awaiting £1,250, have not received payments within the 60-day window promised. FIFA acknowledged a backlog in processing payments, particularly for transactions above the original ticket price, and assured that all outstanding amounts will be settled. The resale platform, designed to prevent unauthorized resales, charges both buyers and sellers a 30% fee.
FIFA also reversed a policy allowing refillable water bottles at venues, now only permitting the sale of bottled water. The decision, which includes Coca-Cola products like Dasani, has drawn criticism from fans amid concerns over commercial influence and safety.