Live Experience · Ticketing

FIFA World Cup 2026

Ticketing Volunteer · San Francisco Bay Area

Teams and flags on the pitch before a World Cup match.

I supported six matches in the Bay Area at the stadium ticket office. We were often one of the first teams fans spoke to before entering, usually because something had gone wrong with their tickets.

A common issue was people being unable to locate tickets bought through third-party platforms. Some had a purchase confirmation but couldn’t find the actual ticket they needed for entry. With the match approaching, those conversations could become stressful quickly.

Some issues took more back and forth. I stayed involved, helped explain the situation, and kept the next steps clear. I enjoyed working through a problem with someone and seeing their ticket finally turn up. They could stop worrying and get excited about the match again.

Red stadium seats and FIFA World Cup 2026 Bay Area signage.

Ruiqi in her volunteer uniform inside the stadium.

The pitch and full stands during a World Cup match.

The stadium scoreboard and spectators at sunset.

Speaking Mandarin allowed me to assist many Chinese fans throughout the tournament. I could help them explain the problem, communicate with staff, and understand the next steps without having to struggle through an already stressful conversation in another language.

One fan had traveled all the way from China and could only find the confirmation email from his third-party purchase. He was frustrated and worried about getting in. I spoke with him in Mandarin, helped explain his situation to our staff, and assisted with contacting the platform he had used.

Ruiqi in volunteer uniform outside the stadium.

Volunteer team selfie beside the giant World Cup football.

Ruiqi and another volunteer outside the stadium ticket office.

Volunteer group selfie in the stadium plaza.

The volunteer team posing beside the giant World Cup football.

Three volunteers together in the stadium stands.

I couldn’t solve every problem, but I still wanted to help people leave feeling a little better. One family had traveled a long way to support their national team, only to find they couldn’t locate their tickets. I offered their son a World Cup pin. It was a small thing, but I hoped it could give them a little happiness on a difficult day.

The most rewarding moments were seeing the relief on a fan’s face turn into excitement, knowing they could finally enjoy the match they had been looking forward to. Behind each ticket was a story, a family, or a trip someone might only make once.

I loved being able to help them become part of those memories.