Texas Probes FIFA Over Deceptive World Cup Ticket Sales Amid Wider U.S. Investigations

Texas authorities have launched an investigation into FIFA following multiple complaints about deceptive ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup matches scheduled in Dallas and Houston. The Texas Attorney General's office stated that fans were allegedly misled about seat locations, potentially violating state commercial laws.

One complaint detailed a fan purchasing top-tier, premium tickets only to have their seats downgraded after FIFA revised the seating charts. The Attorney General's office highlighted that numerous consumers reported similar experiences, ending up with less desirable views than what they initially paid for.

“

I will work to ensure that FIFA conducts ethical and honest business practices, so that Texas fans are treated fairly.

"I will work to ensure that FIFA conducts ethical and honest business practices, so that Texas fans are treated fairly," stated Attorney General Paxton. He added, "The sport has a unique power to unite people, and FIFA must understand that Texans take both the competition and their rights as consumers very seriously."

These Texas inquiries add to similar investigations in California and New York. California's Attorney General has filed complaints regarding practices akin to those reported in Texas, while New York and New Jersey's Attorney General's offices have summoned FIFA concerning the high cost of tickets. The overall process for pricing World Cup tickets, coupled with elevated match costs and a lack of sales transparency, has drawn criticism from fans and U.S. prosecutors.

“

The sport has a unique power to unite people, and FIFA must understand that Texans take both the competition and their rights as consumers very seriously.