FIFA World Cup ticket sales under investigation by NY and NJ attorneys general
The New York and New Jersey attorneys general have launched a probe into FIFA’s ticket sales practices for the 2026 World Cup, according to statements on Wednesday. The investigation examines both soaring ticket prices and the sales process, including dynamic pricing and ticket allocation methods. New York Attorney General Letitia James and New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport are looking into whether FIFA’s sales tactics contributed to “soaring prices.” FIFA has introduced dynamic pricing for the first time and a new “Front Category” of seats, with top-tier final tickets rising from $6,730 to $10,990 and front-row seats costing over $30,000. Legal experts told NPR that FIFA has closely guarded pricing information, leaving consumers unable to verify availability or fairness. Fans cannot select specific seats at purchase and are later assigned locations, and FIFA reserves the right to adjust seating charts after sale. FIFA has not responded to a request for comment.
What’s reported
New York and New Jersey attorneys general announced a probe into FIFA over ticket practices on Wednesday.
The investigation covers ticket prices and FIFA’s sales process, including ticket allocation and whether sales tactics contributed to soaring prices.
FIFA introduced dynamic pricing for the first time, leading to sharply higher prices.
The most expensive tickets for the final initially cost $6,730 and later rose to $10,990.
A new “Front Category” of front-row seats for the final costs more than $30,000.
Fans cannot pick specific seats at purchase; they are assigned later by FIFA.
FIFA reserves the right to adjust seating charts after tickets are sold.
FIFA has not replied to NPR’s request for comment.
Open questions
What specific legal violations FIFA may have committed; whether FIFA will alter its ticket sales before the tournament begins in two weeks.
Key figures
Gianni Infantino, FIFA President
Letitia James, New York Attorney General
Jennifer Davenport, New Jersey Attorney General
Derek Howard, attorney and professor at University of San Francisco
President Trump (quoted in New York Post)
Rob Bonta, California Attorney General
Sources: NPR
