Key facts
- FIFA is asking 60 fans to pay corrected face value for World Cup tickets sold in error.
- FIFA is reportedly shutting down water refill stations for World Cup attendees.
- Ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup are at an all-time high.
- Fans face additional costs for travel, accommodation, and transit.
FIFA is reportedly demanding that 60 fans pay the corrected face value for World Cup tickets that were initially sold to them for free. In addition to this ticketing issue, FIFA is also reportedly shutting down water refill stations for attendees at the World Cup. These actions come as the organization anticipates significant revenue from the event, with projections indicating $13 billion in revenue from the 2026 World Cup cycle. Ticket prices for the tournament are already at an all-time high due to North American ticketing practices, including dynamic pricing and FIFA's own secondary resale market. Fans also face substantial additional costs for travel and accommodation, with some host cities planning to increase transit fares on game days.
The FIFA World Cup will officially kick off on June 11, 2026. The tournament will be broadcast around the world in several different languages. In the US, all 104 Spanish-language Telemundo matches can be live-streamed via Peacock for $11 a month. In Spain, select matches will be available for free on RTVE and live stream on RTVE Play, with more comprehensive coverage available via a paid DAZN subscription. Viewers can access their streaming options from anywhere with the help of a VPN, such as NordVPN, which offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. The first FIFA World Cup game is a Mexico vs. South Africa match on June 11 at 3 p.m. ET. Tickets are pricey, with resale prices available in an official guide.