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Tisha Thompson
Multiple Authors
New York and New Jersey launched a subpoena against FIFA on Wednesday as part of an investigation into its ticketing practices for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, amid complaints about skyrocketing prices and allegations that fans were misled about their seat locations.
In a joint announcement, New York Attorney General Letitia James and New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport revealed that they are seeking internal documentation regarding FIFA’s ticket sales for eight matches, including the final scheduled for July 19, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
“New Yorkers have anticipated this World Cup for years, and they deserve access to reasonably priced tickets,” James stated. “No one should feel coerced into paying exorbitant prices for tickets, and fans must be able to trust that the tickets they acquired will correspond to the seats they expect.”
FIFA did not respond to ESPN’s request for comment.
The attorneys general reported that FIFA’s ticket prices have “significantly surpassed” those of previous World Cup tournaments.
This World Cup marks the first time FIFA has implemented dynamic pricing, adjusting ticket costs based on demand, leading to widespread consumer complaints. In December, a fan organization accused FIFA of “a monumental betrayal of the World Cup tradition.”
Reports indicate that FIFA raised ticket prices for most of the 104 World Cup matches between October and April, with an average increase of 34% across the three main ticket categories.
The investigation aims to “explore whether and how FIFA’s ticket release practices, public statements, and other actions may have influenced these prices.”
“Clarity in ticket sales should not be difficult,” Davenport remarked. “However, FIFA has turned ticket purchasing for the World Cup into a confusing ordeal filled with artificial rarity and exorbitant costs.”
“Hosting the World Cup is a privilege, but it should not serve as an opportunity to take advantage of our residents and visitors,” Davenport added.
FIFA has consistently defended the high ticket prices for this summer’s tournament, attributing them to market demand. “We must consider the market,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino stated earlier this month. “We are operating in a market where entertainment is highly developed, and thus we need to conform to market rates.”
When questioned about tickets selling for $1,000 and upwards, President Donald Trump commented to The New York Post, “I wouldn’t pay that either, to be frank.”
The investigation will also look into whether fans were misled about the actual locations of the seats they purchased. In its initial ticket sale, FIFA divided MetLife Stadium into four zones, with “Category 1” seats being the most desirable. After many purchases had already been made, FIFA introduced new “Front Category” zones featuring these premium seats, which the attorneys general claim were sold at significantly higher prices.
“Reports suggest that fans who bought tickets before the introduction of these new zones were excluded from these choice seats and instead assigned less desirable locations, including those far from the action or behind the goals,” the announcement detailed.
Addtionally, some fans have alleged that they did not receive the tickets corresponding to the categories they selected and paid for, with those who opted for Category 1 seats being assigned to Category 2 areas further back, according to their statement.
Earlier this month, California Attorney General Rob Bonta sent a letter to FIFA requesting details about ticket sales for World Cup matches in California, including the marketing of seating categories and the assignment process. Matches are set to be held at both SoFi Stadium in Inglewood and Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.