FIFA is facing mounting legal scrutiny in the United States less than two weeks before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after authorities in New York and New Jersey launched formal investigations into the organisation’s ticket pricing and sales practices. The attorneys general of both states have issued subpoenas seeking internal FIFA documents related to ticket pricing models, seat allocation systems, and marketing practices for matches scheduled during the tournament.
The investigation focuses particularly on eight matches set to be played at MetLife Stadium, including the World Cup final on July 19.
According to a joint statement released Wednesday, officials are examining allegations that fans were misled about seating categories and charged significantly higher prices through FIFA’s demand-based pricing system.
Fans Report Seating and Pricing Concerns
New York Attorney General Letitia James said supporters deserved “a fair shot at affordable tickets” after waiting years for the tournament to arrive in North America.
Part of the investigation centers on complaints from ticket buyers who allege they received seats in less desirable sections of stadiums than the ones originally selected and purchased.
Authorities are also reviewing FIFA’s introduction of a new “Front Category” premium seating tier after the initial ticket sales phase had already closed, a move critics argue effectively altered seating hierarchies after many supporters had already committed to purchases.
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport accused FIFA of creating confusion around ticket sales through “fake scarcity and impossibly high prices.”
Variable Pricing Under Scrutiny
Investigators are examining FIFA’s use of variable pricing, a demand-based ticketing model introduced for the first time at a FIFA World Cup.
Reports indicate prices for more than 90 tournament matches increased between October 2025 and April 2026. Some matches in Canada and Mexico reportedly saw ticket prices rise by approximately 25 percent during that period.
The controversy has intensified as fans across multiple countries complained about rapidly escalating costs and limited access to lower-priced seats originally promoted by FIFA.
European Consumer Groups Also File Complaint
The US investigation follows similar pressure from European consumer organisations earlier this year.
In March, consumer rights group Euroconsumers and supporter network Football Supporters Europe filed a formal complaint with the European Commission accusing FIFA of abusing its monopoly over World Cup ticket sales.
The complaint described FIFA’s pricing practices as “extortionate” and accused the organisation of misleading supporters regarding ticket affordability.
Campaigners highlighted FIFA’s earlier claims that group-stage tickets would start from $60, arguing that very few fans were actually able to secure seats at those prices.
Consumer groups also criticised FIFA’s resale marketplace, where the organisation reportedly charges a 15 percent fee to both buyers and sellers.
FIFA Yet to Respond
At the time of publication, FIFA had not publicly commented on the subpoenas or the ongoing investigations.
The governing body, led by Gianni Infantino, has previously defended its ticketing model by citing unprecedented global demand for the 2026 tournament.
FIFA says more than 500 million ticket requests have been submitted for the competition, which is expected to generate approximately $13 billion in revenue for the organisation.
FIFA also maintains that revenues are reinvested into football development programs across its 211 member associations worldwide.
Key Highlights
- New York and New Jersey issued subpoenas to FIFA
- Investigation focuses on World Cup ticket pricing and seat allocations
- MetLife Stadium matches are central to the probe
- Fans complained about inflated prices and misleading seating categories
- European consumer groups previously filed a complaint against FIFA
- FIFA has not yet publicly responded to the investigation
