England fans face ticket problems ahead of World Cup opener in Qatar
Some supporters were frantically refreshing the official ticketing mobile app on their phones in a bid to have their QR code load.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Fans heading to England’s World Cup opener with Iran have had ticket problems as they attempted to enter the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.
With the 4pm local time kick-off approaching, some supporters were frantically refreshing the official ticketing mobile app on their phones in a bid to have their QR code load.
This left them stressed and frustrated, with a group of England fans also seen arguing with officials as they kept being told entry to the queue was closed and being repeatedly moved down to another entrance.
One England fan said they should have “just used paper tickets” and criticised the organisation of the entry.
A PA news agency reporter heading in with a ticket found their ticket app only started working about 60 seconds before they reached the front of the queue, having failed to work in the previous couple of hours.
FIFA acknowledged some fans were experiencing issues accessing their tickets and said it was working on solving the issue.
It advised them to visit the stadium’s “ticket resolution point” for support.
Free Lions, the Football Supporters’ Association team that provides travel and logistical advice to fans, said on Twitter: “We’re aware of issues with some e-tickets at the stadium with FIFA’s ticketing app. The FA is working hard to find a resolution for England fans.
“If you have issues seeing your ticket on the app, join the ticketing resolution queue at the stadium, but keep checking the app.”