FIFA has responded after being hit with major backlash as fans tried to apply for access to tickets for the 2026 World Cup and hit a wall.
“We are experiencing initial extended wait times as the registration period opens,” a FIFA spokesperson told The Athletic about the fiasco. “Importantly, timing of a fan’s entry into the Visa Presale Draw will not impact the fan’s chances of success – everyone who registers during the entry period will have the same likelihood of being selected to have the opportunity to purchase tickets.”
Some eager fans reported waiting over an hour only to be hit with a “HTTP Status 400 — Bad Request” error, others were never able to enter.
The spokesperson cited “extraordinary” demand as the reason for the mishap.
Beginning Wednesday, soccer fans could enter an exclusive lottery to be able to purchase tickets to next year’s tournament. As FIFA confirmed, fans who were unable to enter the lottery when it opened at 11 a.m. have until September 19 to enter.
After the window closes, bots will be weeded out and an undisclosed number of entries will be randomly selected and allowed to purchase tickets.
Tickets for the tournament — which kicks off next June and is hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico — will officially go on sale October 1.
