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FIFA Cancels 60 Free World Cup Tickets After Glitch

6/5/2026

Summary

FIFA Cancels Free Tickets

FIFA canceled 60 World Cup tickets after a website glitch gave them away for 0 USD on May 21.
FIFA emailed fans on 3 June saying the tickets remain reserved but must be paid for within seven days.
The cancelled tickets were for group-stage matches in Toronto.
Ticket prices range from $4,185 for the lowest tier to $8,860 for the Supporter Premium tier, prompting criticism.

Summary

AGs Probe FIFA

California, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania attorneys general have opened investigations, issuing subpoenas to FIFA over ticket-allocation and resale ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
State AGs have acted: California’s AG queried seat-zone changes for legality, New York and New Jersey AGs sought records, and Washington’s AG noted complaints, not confirming a probe.
FIFA declined comment as SeatGeek, Ticketmaster and StubHub denied ties and Florian Ederer showed blocks on SeatGeek, calling it a “shell game.”

History

Historical Context

In May 2015, the U.S. Department of Justice indicted 14 FIFA officials, accusing them of roughly $150 million in bribes and prompting reforms to FIFA’s governance. Building on that precedent, attorneys general in California, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania have now subpoenaed FIFA for information on the upcoming 2026 World Cup ticket allocations.

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FIFA Cancels Free Tickets

FIFA canceled 60 World Cup tickets after a website glitch gave them away for 0 USD on May 21.
FIFA emailed fans on 3 June saying the tickets remain reserved but must be paid for within seven days.
The cancelled tickets were for group-stage matches in Toronto.
Ticket prices range from $4,185 for the lowest tier to $8,860 for the Supporter Premium tier, prompting criticism.

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