FIFA is now under formal investigation by authorities in New York and New Jersey over how tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are being sold and priced, especially for matches set to take place at MetLife Stadium, including the final.
New York Attorney General Letitia James and New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport confirmed that subpoenas have been issued to FIFA as part of a joint probe. The investigation focuses on fan complaints about rapidly rising prices, unclear ticket categories, and possible misleading information about seat locations after purchase.
Officials say many supporters have raised concerns about “dynamic pricing,” a system being used for the first time in a full World Cup cycle. This model allows ticket prices to change depending on demand, meaning costs can rise significantly within short periods. Since sales began, fans online have reported sharp price increases, with some describing the tickets as far more expensive than expected for a global tournament.
Authorities are also reviewing how seats were assigned after purchase. Early ticket sales used broad categories, but later FIFA introduced premium “Front Category” sections for the best seats closer to the pitch. Investigators say some fans who bought top-tier Category 1 tickets were later placed outside these upgraded sections, sometimes in less desirable positions such as behind the goals or farther from the field.
There are also claims that some buyers received seats in lower categories than what they originally paid for, raising further questions about transparency in the allocation process.
FIFA is expected to provide internal documents related to pricing decisions, ticket releases, marketing strategies, and seating plans across the eight matches scheduled at MetLife Stadium.
New Jersey Attorney General Davenport criticized the system, saying the ticket process has become unnecessarily confusing and difficult for fans to follow. New York Attorney General James also stressed that supporters deserve fair access after years of anticipation for the tournament.
FIFA has defended its approach in recent months, with president Gianni Infantino stating that prices reflect strong demand in the U.S. entertainment market and are consistent with global pricing trends for major events.
