FIFA is facing a formal investigation by legal authorities in the United States over allegations that football fans were misled and subjected to artificially inflated prices during ticket sales for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Attorneys general from New York and New Jersey have demanded detailed explanations from FIFA regarding its ticketing practices, amid accusations that the organisation created confusion, manipulated supply and contributed to soaring prices for tournament matches.
According to Bernama-PA Media/dp, the investigation centres on concerns that supporters may have been misled about seat locations and pricing structures while attempting to purchase tickets for the global football tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Authorities have reportedly subpoenaed FIFA to provide information concerning ticket sales practices, particularly involving matches scheduled to take place in New Jersey, including England’s group-stage fixture against Panama on June 27 and the World Cup final on July 19.
Attorney General of New Jersey Jennifer Davenport sharply criticised the handling of ticket sales, accusing FIFA of creating unnecessary confusion for consumers.
“Being honest about ticket sales is not complicated,” Davenport said.
“But FIFA has turned buying a ticket to the World Cup into a gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity, and impossibly high prices – all at the expense of consumers and hardworking New Jerseyans.”
She added that state authorities were determined to fully examine FIFA’s conduct.
“We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation of FIFA’s conduct, and we are proud to stand together with Attorney General James in protecting our consumers.”
“It’s an honour to host the World Cup, but the event is not an invitation to exploit our residents and visitors.”
Supporters have complained that they were misled over the actual location and category of seats purchased, particularly after FIFA allegedly introduced more expensive “front” category tickets after earlier ticket sales phases had already begun.
Investigators are also examining allegations that dynamic pricing systems allowed FIFA to significantly increase prices across much of the tournament schedule.
Reports suggest that ticket prices for approximately 90 of the tournament’s 104 matches may have risen by an average of 34 per cent due to demand-based pricing adjustments.
Authorities are expected to investigate whether FIFA’s staggered ticket release strategy and public communications contributed to perceptions of scarcity and price inflation.
Letitia James said football supporters deserved transparency 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.”
“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.”
“I thank Attorney General Davenport for joining this effort to get answers from FIFA and protect our states’ consumers.”
Authorities in New Jersey have also encouraged residents who failed to receive tickets they paid for to lodge complaints through the state’s Division of Consumer Affairs.
FIFA declined to comment publicly after being approached by media organisations regarding the investigation.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to be the largest edition in the tournament’s history, featuring 48 national teams and 104 matches across North America. - May 28, 2026
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