FIFA has now cancelled World Cup tickets given to around 60 fans who received them for free due to a website mistake.
According to FIFA’s statement on Thursday, the tickets were allocated at no charge (0 USD) because of a previous payment issue during the checkout process.
It further added, “FIFA regrets the mistake and any trouble it caused. The tickets requested by these fans are still reserved, and those affected have been asked to pay the correct amount.”
FIFA stated in an email to buyers that the mispriced tickets were sold through the official World Cup website on May 21.
Tickets are still available for purchase from FIFA for matches at the World Cup, which begins next Thursday in Mexico City.
It remains uncertain whether prices for less popular games will decrease under FIFA’s surge pricing model, which has faced criticism from fans.
FIFA is also running its own resale platform, charging a 15 percent commission from both buyers and sellers to eliminate ticket dealers from the market.
However, platforms like SeatGeek were showing a wide range of availability on Friday for many matches.
FIFA receives criticism over high ticket prices
This incident is the latest in a series of issues with the often controversial World Cup ticketing system, which is under investigation by the attorneys general of New York and New Jersey for potential breaches of consumer protection laws.
Earlier, FIFA announced that more tickets will be put on sale for all the 104 games in the category 1, 2 and 3.
In conjunction with this, the new front category prices would also be in effect.
Following the introduction of the new category, fans on social media were found complaining that they had not been provided with better seats at first and instead, they received tickets to less favourable locations.
Read more: Fans slam FIFA over rising 2026 World Cup ticket prices
