FIFA to be investigated by U.S. over 2026 World Cup ticket sales

FIFA faces a judicial inquiry in the United States concerning its ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup. Prosecutors in New York and New Jersey are demanding answers from the soccer governing body, accusing it of artificially inflating prices and misleading fans about seat locations.

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Being honest in ticket sales is not complicated. However, FIFA has turned buying a World Cup ticket into a ordeal of confusion, artificial scarcity, and exorbitant prices; all at the expense of consumers and the hardworking citizens of New Jersey.

Fans reportedly may have been deceived about where their seats would be, and FIFA's public statements and ticket release strategies are suspected of contributing to soaring prices. New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and New York Attorney General Letitia James have requested specific information about ticket sales for eight World Cup matches to be held in New Jersey, including a group stage match between England and Panama and the tournament final.

"Being honest in ticket sales is not complicated. However, FIFA has turned buying a World Cup ticket into a ordeal of confusion, artificial scarcity, and exorbitant prices; all at the expense of consumers and the hardworking citizens of New Jersey," Davenport stated. "We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation into FIFA's conduct, and we are proud to join forces with Attorney General James to protect our consumers."

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We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation into FIFA's conduct, and we are proud to join forces with Attorney General James to protect our consumers.

The investigation will examine how FIFA's ticket release schedule and public statements may have influenced prices. Allegations suggest that the creation of a more expensive "preferred" ticket category, released after the initial sales phase, and the application of dynamic pricing based on demand, allowed FIFA to increase ticket prices for approximately 90 of the 104 scheduled matches by an average of 34%. New York Attorney General Letitia James added, "New Yorkers have waited years for the World Cup to come to their own city, and they deserve a fair chance to purchase tickets at affordable prices. No one should be manipulated into paying exorbitant prices for a seat; fans must have certainty that the tickets they purchase are exactly what they will receive."

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New Yorkers have waited years for the World Cup to come to their own city, and they deserve a fair chance to purchase tickets at affordable prices. No one should be manipulated into paying exorbitant prices for a seat; fans must have certainty that the tickets they purchase are exactly what they will receive.