FIFA demands payment after glitch gives dozens of fans free World Cup 2026 tickets

Dozens of football fans thought they had hit the jackpot when a website glitch gifted them free tickets to the 2026 World Cup. But FIFA has now demanded they pay up, expressing regret over the error. The blunder comes as the governing body showcases its latest technological innovations at its Zurich headquarters, intended to revolutionise the tournament experience. BBC technology correspondent Shiona McCallum recently visited FIFA HQ to see the new tech being used in the World Cup. Meanwhile, Martin Sharkey has explored how changes in the way we watch content are shaping these new technologies. The ticket glitch, which FIFA confirmed left dozens of fans with free tickets, has now prompted demands for payment, raising questions about the robustness of the systems behind the world’s biggest sporting event.