FIFA faces US probe over 2026 World Cup ticket prices

FIFA faces a formal investigation in the United States over allegations of misleading fans and charging inflated prices for 2026 World Cup tickets. New York and New Jersey attorneys general have launched a probe into the organization's ticketing practices. Officials accuse FIFA of creating "fake scarcity" and driving up costs across multiple sales phases. New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport described the ticket-buying process as "a gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity and impossibly high prices." She confirmed a thorough investigation into FIFA's conduct, with the governing body subpoenaed for internal documents related to ticket sales. Investigators are examining claims that ticket prices for approximately 90 of the tournament's 104 matches rose by an average of 34% as sales progressed. Allegations also include that supporters were misled about seat availability and location, particularly after FIFA introduced more expensive "front" category tickets mid-sale. Samuel A. A. Levine of the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection stated that authorities take "allegations of blatantly deceptive conduct very seriously" and are looking closely into claims of artificially inflating prices. The investigation also seeks to understand why 2026 ticket costs exceed those of previous World Cups. FIFA has declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.

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There will be a thorough investigation of FIFA’s conduct.