Ask Onix
Fifa delays payments to World Cup 2026 ticket resellers
Fans who sold tickets through the official FIFA World Cup 2026 marketplace have yet to receive payments worth thousands of pounds, despite transactions completing over two months ago, an investigation by BBC Sport reveals.
Payment terms and delays
FIFA's official terms state that sellers should receive payment within 60 calendar days of a transaction. However, multiple ticket holders who sold seats in early October report still waiting for funds. FIFA has not issued a public statement explaining the hold-up.
Sources familiar with the matter indicate the delays stem from FIFA requiring additional bank details from affected sellers before processing payments.
Fans affected and financial impact
Tickets involved were part of a pre-sale draw in September, when one million seats were released exclusively to Visa cardholders. The total number of affected fans remains unclear.
England supporter Iain is owed nearly £650 for a ticket sold 65 days ago for Canada's opening match in Toronto. He had planned to use the funds to purchase England match tickets now that the tournament schedule is confirmed.
"FIFA is generating billions from this World Cup but can't seem to manage basic payment processing on time. The delay appears to be affecting many people."
Iain, England supporter
Another fan, a Mexico supporter who requested anonymity, provided evidence of being owed over £8,000 for sales completed more than 60 days ago.
"It's frustrating. They seem to be fumbling the process. I've had to rearrange my finances to cover my credit card bill."
Anonymous Mexico supporter
Confusion over refund process
Some affected sellers told BBC Sport they received an email from FIFA last month requesting bank details, despite earlier communications stating refunds would automatically be credited to their original payment cards.
Resale marketplace and fees
FIFA's official resale platform launched on 2 October, allowing most ticket holders to list their seats at their chosen price. The governing body charges a 15% fee to both buyers and sellers.
While the main ticket ballot only opened on 11 December, some fans who secured seats during earlier sales phases-before the World Cup draw-have already resold tickets on the platform.
Warnings against unofficial resale sites
FIFA has cautioned fans against using third-party resale platforms, emphasizing that its official marketplace "is designed to protect from invalid or unauthorized resale."
Despite this, numerous tickets are being listed on unofficial sites.
FIFA introduces lower-cost tickets
Earlier this week, FIFA announced the introduction of a limited number of more affordable tickets priced at $60 (£45) for all 104 matches in the tournament.
The move follows criticism over high ticket prices, with the World Cup final costing up to £6,615.
