Overview
- Media reports Thursday and Friday found many Category 1 buyers were assigned worse seats or even Category 2 after final allocations.
- Fans say prime lower-tier central sections were never offered to the public and were held for VIPs, partners, and hospitality packages.
- FIFA denies deception and says the stadium maps were only indicative guides to each category’s general area under the ticket terms.
- FIFA added a pricier “Front” category on Friday, with the U.S.–Paraguay opener in Inglewood listing Front Category 1 seats at $4,105.
- The rollout has fueled anger after early April portal glitches and hours-long waits, with more than three million category-only tickets sold and few options for buyers who feel shortchanged.