FIFA is facing renewed scrutiny over soaring World Cup ticket prices and controversial ticketing practices that fans say left them paying more for seats they did not originally select.
Attorneys general in New York and New Jersey announced Tuesday that they have opened an investigation into whether FIFA violated consumer protection laws in the sale of tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The inquiry focuses heavily on ticket sales for matches scheduled at MetLife Stadium — temporarily renamed “New York New Jersey Stadium” for the tournament — which will host eight World Cup matches, including the final.
Investigators have issued subpoenas seeking information about several ticketing practices, including FIFA’s use of variable pricing systems that sharply increased costs for many matches and changes to stadium seating maps that reportedly relocated fans farther from the field than expected.
The investigation is being conducted in partnership with the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.
Letitia James said fans deserve transparent and fair access to tickets.
“New Yorkers have been waiting years for the World Cup to come to their backyard, and they deserve a fair shot at affordable tickets,” James said. “No one should be manipulated into paying sky-high prices for seats, and fans should be able to trust that the tickets they purchase will be the ones they receive.”
Jennifer Davenport accused FIFA of creating a confusing and expensive ticket-buying process.
“It’s an honor for New Jersey to host the World Cup,” Davenport said, “but the event is not an invitation to exploit our residents and visitors.”
FIFA declined to comment on the investigation.
The World Cup is set to begin June 11 with matches in Mexico City and Guadalajara. The first game at MetLife Stadium is scheduled for June 13 and will feature Brazil against Morocco.
Some tickets for the July 19 final have reportedly reached prices nearing $33,000.
Last week, Zohran Mamdani announced a city lottery program that will offer 1,000 discounted World Cup tickets to New York City residents at $50 each. The allocation covers roughly 150 tickets per match at MetLife Stadium, excluding the championship game.
FIFA had previously distributed limited $60 tickets for each match through the national soccer federations of participating teams.
