FIFA is facing legal scrutiny in the United States over allegations related to its ticketing practices for the 2026 World Cup, with authorities in at least three states launching investigations into claims of inflated prices and misleading sales tactics. Attorneys general from New York, New Jersey, and California have taken formal steps to probe FIFA’s handling of ticket availability and categorization ahead of the tournament, which kicks off in mid-June.
The investigations focus on accusations that FIFA restricted ticket supply to artificially drive up prices and altered seating category maps, effectively pushing fans toward more expensive options. New York and New Jersey officials have subpoenaed FIFA representatives seeking explanations for what they describe as “fake scarcity” and deceptive pricing methods. California’s attorney general, Rob Bonta, has raised particular concern over reports that seating zones were reclassified into higher-priced categories after initial sales phases. FIFA has responded by stating that the seating maps provided were meant for guidance only.
These concerns have drawn attention from both state and federal levels, with members of the U.S. Congress also demanding answers. Representatives Frank Pallone and Nellie Pou have addressed a letter to FIFA highlighting “dynamic pricing rip-offs” and warning that restricting ticket availability to shape demand raises questions about transparency and fairness. Meanwhile, the attorney general’s office in Washington state confirmed receipt of complaints relating to ticket sales for World Cup matches in Seattle.
On the ground, venues hosting matches have reported unexpectedly low sales. For example, the 80,000-seat AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, which is scheduled to host nine matches including England’s group game against Croatia on June 17, has sold between 35% and 50% of its available tickets, according to local officials. This translates to more than 350,000 tickets unsold just days before the tournament begins. Similarly, the 82,500-seat MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which will hold England’s match against Panama and the final on July 19, is under investigation for alleged seat misrepresentation. In Florida, England’s warm-up match against New Zealand is expected to have tens of thousands of empty seats, with only around 13,000 tickets sold for a 69,000-seat stadium.
Fans and observers have expressed frustration over the pricing and availability issues. Supporters in England have criticized FIFA for maintaining high ticket prices despite an abundance of unsold tickets, describing the situation as exploitative. Prominent figures within the football community, including former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, have also questioned the justification for such elevated costs on regular seating.
Local officials in host cities have voiced concern over the potential consumer protection violations. New York’s consumer and worker protection commissioner, Samuel A. A. Levine, noted that if proven, the alleged practices could violate city laws. Massachusetts authorities are reportedly monitoring ticketing activities ahead of matches scheduled in Boston.
FIFA has been contacted for comment but has yet to provide a public response to the ongoing inquiries. As the World Cup approaches, these legal actions mark a significant development in the ongoing debate over sports ticket pricing and consumer rights.