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A growing number of World Cup supporters have been left stranded outside stadiums after purchasing tickets through third-party resale websites, with complaints mounting over so-called ‘ghost tickets' that were never successfully transferred before kick-off.
The issue has sparked fresh controversy around FIFA's ticketing system and the wider resale market just days into the tournament.
World Cup fans left outside despite paying hundreds for tickets
Supporters across the United States have reported arriving at stadiums only to discover their tickets had not been transferred through FIFA's official ticketing app.
Many complaints have centred on major resale platforms including StubHub, SeatGeek and Vivid Seats, with some fans claiming purchases worth hundreds or even thousands of pounds failed to materialise.
According to reports, one supporter reportedly paid almost $1,000 (£756) for two tickets to Spain's match against Cape Verde at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, only to discover the seller had never transferred them before kick-off.
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Similar stories have since emerged across social media as demand and resale prices continue to surge during the tournament.
The controversy has shone a spotlight on ‘ghost ticket' listings, where tickets are advertised for sale before sellers actually have them in their possession, creating a risk that orders cannot be fulfilled if prices rise or tickets become unavailable.
FIFA has repeatedly urged supporters to use its official resale marketplace, where tickets must already exist before being listed, and transfers are handled directly through its system.
FGG says: This is a reminder of the risks involved with unofficial resale markets
While the vast majority of supporters have entered stadiums without any issues, the latest controversy is a stark reminder of the risks that come with buying through unofficial resale platforms.
When demand is soaring and prices climb by the day, some sellers simply can’t deliver the tickets they’ve listed, leaving fans stranded at the worst possible moment.
For anyone still chasing World Cup seats, FIFA’s official resale marketplace remains the safest route. It won’t always be the cheapest, but the stories emerging from the opening weeks of the tournament show exactly why many supporters are willing to pay for the added security.