FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary General Mattias Grafström have issued a formal apology for errors in the ticket sales process for the 2026 World Cup, following widespread criticism and a scandal over the handling of ticket allocations.
In a letter addressed to fans and stakeholders, Infantino and Grafström wrote: "We sincerely apologize for these errors." The apology comes after reports of technical glitches, long waiting times, and unfair distribution of tickets during the recent sales phases.
The scandal intensified when it was revealed that a significant number of tickets had been allocated to hospitality packages and corporate partners, leaving fewer tickets for the general public. Fans took to social media to express their frustration, prompting FIFA to launch an internal review.
FIFA has not yet announced specific measures to rectify the issues, but the apology is seen as a first step toward rebuilding trust. The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is scheduled to begin on June 11, 2026.
