The states of New York and New Jersey on Wednesday launched an investigation into whether FIFA unfairly inflated ticket prices for football fans ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Authorities in both states said the probe would examine ticket sales practices by football’s governing body ahead of the tournament, which kicks off on June 11 across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, whose state will host the World Cup final on July 19, accused FIFA of creating an unfair and confusing ticketing process for supporters.
“FIFA has turned buying a ticket to the World Cup into a gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity, and impossibly high prices,” she said.
“We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation of FIFA’s conduct.”
According to prosecutors, the investigation will focus on complaints that fans were misled about seating arrangements and subjected to aggressive dynamic pricing systems, where ticket costs rise depending on demand.
New York Attorney General Letitia James said football supporters deserved fair access to tickets for the global tournament.
“New Yorkers have been waiting years for the World Cup to come to their backyard and they deserve a fair shot at affordable tickets,” she 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.”
Much of the criticism has centred on the cost of attending the final, which will be staged at the NFL stadium shared by the New York Giants and New York Jets in New Jersey, just outside New York City.
Beyond ticket costs, fans are also expected to pay over $100 for public transportation from New York City, while parking fees at the venue are set at $225.
The scrutiny of FIFA’s ticketing methods has continued to grow in recent months. In May, officials in California revealed they had also contacted FIFA over potential legal concerns linked to ticket sales.
Meanwhile, supporters’ body Football Supporters Europe criticised the World Cup pricing system, describing it as “extortionate” and a “monumental betrayal.”
The group argued that soaring ticket costs have made the tournament, projected to generate around $13 billion in revenue for FIFA, unaffordable for many football fans.
