FIFA is under investigation for World Cup ticket pricing by N.Y. and N.J. attorneys general
N.J. Attorney General Davenport and N.Y. Attorney General James are investigating FIFA for its confusing and costly ticketing practices for the 2026 World Cup.
The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be one of the most expensive tournaments for fans in its history, and two state attorneys general want answers as to why.
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and New York Attorney General Letitia James announced Wednesday that their offices are investigating FIFA for its World Cup ticketing practices that have driven up costs for fans.
Subpoenas were sent out Wednesday to FIFA requesting information about its ticketing practices, and specific details on how the soccer governing body sold tickets for the eight matches hosted in New Jersey, including the World Cup Final on July 19.
The attorneys general point to reports that allege fans may have been misled about the locations of the seats they bought and that FIFA’s public statements and method of releasing tickets may have contributed to skyrocketing prices, officials said.
James and Davenport’s investigation will be one of the first major governmental pushbacks on the global soccer body this tournament.
Whether Pennsylvania’s Attorney General Dave Sunday will join this investigation or take similar action is unclear. Sunday’s office did not return a request for comment.
“Being honest about ticket sales is not complicated. But FIFA has turned buying a ticket to the World Cup into a gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity, and impossibly high prices — all at the expense of consumers and hardworking New Jerseyans,” said Attorney General Davenport.
In one reported incident that raised flags with the attorneys general, FIFA sold tickets using a seat map divided into four zones, from Category 1 to 4, with Category 1 seats being the most desirable. But, after many fans bought tickets, FIFA created new zones called “Front Category” which offered the best seats in each of the original categories.
Front Category seating prices were much higher than the original categories’ cost, the attorneys general said. Fans who bought tickets when only the original categories were available were excluded from the most best seats and relegated to “less desirable seats,” including ones far from the pitch or behind the goals.
Some fans even reported not receiving the tickets in the category they paid for. According to the attorneys general, these fans paid for Category 1 tickets, which were closest to the field, yet were assigned seats further back in Category 2 areas.
“No one should be manipulated into paying sky-high prices for seats, and fans should be able to trust that the tickets they purchase will be the ones they receive,” said Attorney General James.
James and Davenport will also look into FIFA’s ticket prices overall as they say prices far exceed those of previous World Cups in other countries. Using “variable pricing” to adjust ticket prices based on demand, FIFA raised ticket prices for more than 90 of the 104 matches being played this tournament, on average, a 34% increase.
This year’s World Cup has been mired in negative fan reaction due to its exorbitant prices. Some cities, like Philadelphia, are offering freebies and discounted services to help alleviate some of the cost, like SEPTA offering free subway rides after World Cup matches or New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani securing $50 tickets for some New Yorkers.
