FIFA has cancelled World Cup 2026 tickets that were mistakenly issued to around 60 fans after a technical error on its ticketing platform allowed them to complete purchases without making payment. The issue occurred during checkout, when a glitch reportedly prevented the payment from being processed while still generating valid ticket confirmations.
FIFA cancels World Cup tickets to about 60 fans who got them for free due to error (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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As a result, a small group of supporters received tickets free of charge and believed their bookings had been successfully completed. However, FIFA later identified the error during an internal review and moved to void the affected tickets, informing the fans that the transactions had not been properly finalised.
The governing body clarified that the tickets were issued due to a system malfunction rather than a legitimate sale and that the affected supporters would need to go through the regular ticket-purchasing process if they still wished to attend the tournament. While the number of affected fans is relatively small, the incident has generated significant attention, given the high demand for World Cup tickets. FIFA is understood to have taken corrective measures to prevent similar technical issues from occurring during future phases of ticket sales.
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"FIFA regrets the error and any inconvenience caused," FIFA said. "The tickets requested by these fans remain reserved, and the affected fans have been invited to complete payment of the correct amount."
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"FIFA regrets the error and any inconvenience caused," FIFA said. "The tickets requested by these fans remain reserved, and the affected fans have been invited to complete payment of the correct amount."
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Tickets are still being sold by FIFA for games at the World Cup, which opens next Thursday in Mexico City. It is unclear if seats for games in less demand will drop in price under FIFA's surge pricing model, which has been controversial for fans.
FIFA is also operating its own resale platform - and taking 15% commission from both buyers and sellers - in order to cut out ticket dealers from the market. However, sales platforms such as Seat Geek were offering widespread availability on Friday for many games.
World Cup tickets expensive this time
Tickets for the 2026 World Cup are wildly more expensive than any previous edition, which FIFA has justified as helping earn billions of dollars it will give to member federations for developing the game globally.
FIFA took control of pricing and selling tickets as part of bringing World Cup operations in-house. The long-time model at previous editions was working with host nations' local organising committees.
When the soccer federations of the United States, Canada and Mexico won hosting rights in 2018, they promised to sell hundreds of thousands of tickets at $21 each for group-stage games.
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.
Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
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Home/Sports/Football/FIFA voids free World Cup 2026 tickets issued due to ticketing platform glitch
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