Authorities in the U.S. states of New York and New Jersey announced Wednesday the launch of an investigation into whether FIFA exploited football fans through what officials described as “impossibly high” ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The attorneys general of both states said the probe will examine FIFA’s ticket sales practices ahead of the tournament, which is scheduled to begin on June 11 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport accused FIFA of turning World Cup ticket purchasing into “a maze of confusion, artificial scarcity, and irrationally inflated prices,” adding that the state is committed to conducting a full investigation into the organization’s conduct.
The inquiry will focus on complaints alleging that fans were misled regarding seat locations, as well as concerns surrounding dynamic pricing systems in which ticket costs increase sharply in response to demand.
Meanwhile, New York Attorney General Letitia James said football fans “deserve a fair opportunity to access affordable tickets” after waiting years for the tournament to return to the region.
“No one should be forced to pay outrageous prices, and fans should be able to trust that the tickets they purchase are the seats they actually receive,” James said.
Much of the criticism has centered on the cost of attending the tournament final, which is set to be held at MetLife Stadium, home to the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets.
Beyond ticket prices, transportation expenses have also drawn backlash. Public transit from New York to the stadium is expected to exceed $100, while parking fees could reach $225.
In May, California state authorities also confirmed they had contacted FIFA regarding potential legal concerns tied to ticket sales practices.
The fan advocacy group Football Supporters Europe described the tournament’s pricing model as “exploitative” and “a major betrayal,” arguing that the cost structure has placed the World Cup, which FIFA expects could generate nearly $13 billion in revenue, beyond the reach of many supporters.
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