US states are responding to growing criticism of soccer’s world governing body over the pricing of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Published May 27, 2026
FIFA is facing subpoenas from New York and New Jersey as part of an investigation into the accuracy of ticket prices and seat locations for the 2026 World Cup.
In a joint news release Wednesday, New York Attorney General Letitia James and New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said match fees for the 2026 World Cup “far exceed fees for past World Cup tournaments.”
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FIFA detailed its first-ever use of “dynamic pricing,” which adjusts ticket costs based on on-demand. Complaints and allegations from fans who paid for tickets but received less-than-desirable seats in one part of the stadium came to the attention of state officials.
When asked to explain why the prices of tickets released in October were so high, FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the governing body on many fronts, pointing to the limited supply of tickets for an event with global demand.
The state attorney general’s office confirmed it is seeking information regarding general event pricing, venue pricing, seating locations, and other details related to the eight World Cup matches scheduled to be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA. The July 19 final, group stage games, and early tournament games will be held at MetLife Stadium.
“New Yorkers have been waiting for years for the World Cup to be held in their backyard, and they deserve a fair chance with affordable tickets,” James said in a release. “No one should be manipulated into paying exorbitant prices for a seat, and fans should be able to trust that they will receive the tickets they purchase.”
The survey aims to allay the concerns of fans who have purchased tickets or would like the opportunity to do so, but feel misinformed about the final product.
“FIFA has turned World Cup ticket purchasing into a conundrum of confusion, false scarcity, and incredibly high prices, all at the expense of consumers and hardworking New Jerseyans,” Davenport said in a statement.
James said observers have sought guidance from government officials to resolve disputes from fans who claim they were assigned seats further from the playing surface despite selecting seats in one of the four categories available at MetLife Stadium.
FIFA contributed to the seating location confusion as it delayed introducing a premium ticket option, or “front category”, after the first tickets had already been sold.
