StubHub Cites FIFA App Issues After Notifying Some World Cup Fans Their Resale Tickets Were Invalid

The Guardian reported that many World Cup fans who bought resold tickets on StubHub were notified days or hours before matches that their tickets did not exist. Horror stories of stranded families, ruined trips and thousands of dollars lost have appeared on social media and in local news. Advocates estimate thousands of fans may have been affected.

Brian Hess, executive director of the Sports Fans Coalition, stated that the system is deeply broken and flawed at all levels. He added that consumers should not have to fight like this. Bradford Clements, an attorney and former Texas state prosecutor, said he represents more than 150 clients owed $2.4 million after being misled by StubHub.

Clements noted the company has a history of failing to deliver promised tickets and often attributes cancellations to sellers withdrawing at the last minute. A StubHub spokesperson said fans should contact the company directly for World Cup specialist support. The company attributed many issues to performance problems with a new Fifa ticketing app that affected transfers across resale platforms.

com/tickets is the official sales channel for the 2026 World Cup and that it can guarantee validity and delivery for tickets bought through its platforms. The Ticket Act, which bans speculative ticketing, passed the House last year but was removed from a 2025 spending bill.

StubHub customers must pursue disputes through arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association for a $225 fee.