Just months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off, fans faced unexpected confusion over ticket sales, raising questions about the process even before the tournament begins. An email from FIFA promised an “exclusive additional chance to purchase” tickets with a 48-hour access window but the message failed to include a start time. Fans who tried to log in discovered the portal had closed two days earlier, with a reopening date set more than a month away.
The mishap sparked widespread frustration on social media, with Reddit threads, TikTok videos, and WhatsApp groups filled with questions and screenshots from puzzled supporters. For hours, FIFA offered little clarification, leaving fans unsure if and when they could secure tickets for single matches in host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
By mid-afternoon, some revised emails were sent, specifying time slots beginning February 25, though many details remained unclear, including which matches, cities, or ticket prices were available. FIFA explained that the window was meant for a small group of applicants who had not succeeded in the earlier Random Selection Draw, giving them “exclusive access to a dedicated ticket window” for single-match tickets. Availability was described as extremely limited and first-come, first-served.
The confusion comes as FIFA manages one of the largest ticketing operations in its history. The federation reported over 500 million ticket requests in the lottery, with most matches already “sold out,” while a portion of tickets is reserved for later sales. The latest issue appears to be either a miscommunication or a strategy to distribute tickets for less popular matches or locations.
Despite the ticketing hiccup, FIFA says World Cup preparations remain on track. Matches are scheduled to begin June 11 across host cities including Dallas, Philadelphia, Kansas City, and Guadalajara. The organization emphasized its commitment to transparency and fairness, aiming to ensure the excitement of the tournament is not overshadowed by ticketing confusion.
Fans, sponsors, and broadcasters alike hope the situation will be resolved quickly, as a smooth ticketing process is crucial for filling stadiums and maintaining the global momentum surrounding the World Cup.
