The attorneys general of New York and New Jersey have launched a joint investigation into FIFA's ticketing practices for the 2026 World Cup, focusing on matches at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The probe, announced Wednesday by New York's Letitia James and New Jersey's Jennifer Davenport, addresses fan complaints about misleading seat locations and claims that FIFA's public messaging contributed to inflated prices.
Investigation Details
The subpoena seeks information on FIFA's ticket allocation and pricing strategies. While the investigation covers all World Cup games, it specifically requests details about MetLife Stadium, which will host eight matches, including the final on July 19. Both officials criticized FIFA in public statements. James emphasized that fans should not be manipulated into paying exorbitant prices for seats they do not receive. Davenport accused FIFA of creating "fake scarcity" by withholding ticket blocks to drive up prices—a claim previously made by fans and journalists but now backed by law enforcement.
Consumer Protection Concerns
Samuel A. A. Levine, commissioner of the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), stated that FIFA's reported conduct would violate the city's consumer protection law. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill expressed support, saying no one should exploit fans visiting the state.
Rising Ticket Prices
FIFA has faced widespread criticism over its ticketing for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held across 16 cities in the US, Mexico, and Canada. This is the first time FIFA has used dynamic pricing, causing average ticket prices to exceed $1,000 since sales began, despite a floor of about $60. A Guardian analysis found that the cheapest tickets saw the steepest price increases. In response, FIFA released limited allocations of lower-priced tickets, such as the Supporter Entry Tier capped at $60 but comprising only 1.6% of all tickets. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a $50 ticket lottery for residents, including round-trip bus travel to MetLife Stadium.
Seat Placement Issues
FIFA initially stated that ticket categories would be based solely on distance from the pitch, but later reverted to a system similar to previous World Cups. In April, FIFA created a new premium category for rows closest to the field, with prices significantly higher than other Category 1 tickets. The investigation notes that fans who bought tickets before this change were assigned less desirable seats. FIFA typically assigns specific seats after purchase, leading to complaints that Category 2 tickets sometimes result in seats in the last row of the stadium.
A FIFA spokesperson declined to comment. The investigation continues as the tournament approaches.
