Key facts
- FIFA is asking 60 fans to pay corrected face value for World Cup tickets sold in error.
- Ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup are at an all-time high.
- FIFA is reportedly shutting down water refill stations for World Cup attendees.
- Fans face additional costs for travel, accommodation, and transit.
- FIFA is encouraging fans to resell tickets for high prices, pocketing 30% in fees.
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, with Category 3 tickets costing up to $265 compared to $69 in 2022. FIFA is encouraging fans to resell tickets for as high as they want, pocketing 30% in fees along the way. Fans also face substantial additional costs for travel and accommodation, with some host cities planning to increase transit fares on game days. Some superfans are choosing to stay home due to the high prices and perceived lack of hospitality.