FIFA Subpoenaed in US Over Deceptive World Cup Seating and Ticket Price Hikes
New York and New Jersey have subpoenaed FIFA as part of an investigation into ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup, citing soaring prices, dynamic pricing practices and complaints that fans were misled about seat locations.
New York and New Jersey have subpoenaed FIFA as part of an investigation into ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup, citing soaring prices, dynamic pricing practices and complaints that fans were misled about seat locations.
New York Attorney General Letitia James and New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced the probe Wednesday, saying their offices are seeking internal information about how FIFA sold tickets to eight World Cup matches scheduled for MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, including the July 19 final.
“New Yorkers have been waiting years for the World Cup to come to their backyard, and they deserve a fair shot at affordable tickets,” James said. “No one should be manipulated into paying sky-high prices for seats.”
The 2026 tournament is the first World Cup in which FIFA has used dynamic pricing, with ticket costs shifting according to demand. The system has drawn strong criticism from fans, especially after reports that prices for most of the tournament’s 104 matches rose sharply between October and April.
According to the attorneys general, prices in the three main ticket categories increased by an average of 34%.
Davenport accused FIFA of turning the ticket process into “a gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity and impossibly high prices,” saying the honor of hosting the World Cup should not become “an invitation to exploit our residents and visitors.”
The investigation will also examine whether fans were misled about seating categories. In FIFA’s initial sale, MetLife Stadium was divided into four zones, with Category 1 seats listed as the most desirable. After many fans had already purchased tickets, FIFA reportedly introduced new “Front Category” zones containing the best seats, at significantly higher prices.
The attorneys general said some early buyers may have been excluded from those seats and assigned less desirable locations, including seats farther from the field or behind the goals.
Some fans also reported receiving seats outside the category they selected and paid for.
FIFA has defended the pricing, with president Gianni Infantino saying the organization must respond to the US entertainment market. President Donald Trump, asked about tickets costing more than $1,000, said he would not pay those prices either.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has also requested information from FIFA about ticket sales for matches at SoFi Stadium and Levi’s Stadium.