Disability advocates say the 2026 FIFA World Cup ticketing process is creating issues for supporters with disability, with concerns mounting over companion tickets, communication failures, and broader questions around digital accessibility.
While much of the criticism has focused on the decision to charge for companion tickets for the first time, advocates say the problems also highlight broader concerns about accessibility and inclusion within Fifa’s digital ticketing systems.
Supporters have reported difficulties securing companion seats, long delays in communication, and confusion around how accessible ticket allocations are managed online. Some fans said they spent months attempting to obtain tickets for carers or personal assistants, despite already securing wheelchair-accessible seating.
Others expressed frustration after companion tickets appeared in general ticket sales during later release phases, despite being intended to support attendees with disability.
Advocates say these issues raise concerns about whether the ticketing process has been designed with users with disability in mind.
Although no specific technical accessibility breaches have been publicly identified, disability advocates say the experiences reported by supporters point to wider concerns around usability and equitable access.
For many users with disability, online ticketing platforms are the primary way to participate in major events. Advocates say barriers within these systems can limit independence and create additional stress for supporters who rely on accessible processes or personalised assistance.
The criticism has also focused on Fifa’s customer support response. Fans attempting to resolve ticketing issues reportedly received automated replies containing terms and conditions, with limited direct assistance or clarification.
Accessibility campaigners say effective inclusion requires not only accessible technology, but also responsive support systems capable of addressing individual needs.
A major source of concern has been Fifa’s handling of companion tickets.
Fifa’s terms and conditions acknowledge that companion seats cannot always be guaranteed adjacent to the person with disability they are accompanying.
Advocates say this creates uncertainty for supporters who rely on carers or personal assistants to attend matches safely and comfortably.
The move to charge for companion tickets has also drawn criticism from disability organisations, which argue that many fans with disability require assistance as an essential access need rather than an optional extra.
Tony Taylor, Chair of disability advocacy organisation Level Playing Field, said the changes represented a huge step backwards for inclusion.
“For many disabled supporters, attending with a PA [personal assistant] is an essential access requirement, which they are now being asked to pay double their entry fee for,” Taylor told The Guardian.
For more information, please read the Guardian’s article on Fifa’s accessible ticketing issues.