United States of America

New York, New Jersey Subpoena FIFA Over World Cup Ticket Prices

Is FIFA exploiting fans with predatory World Cup ticket pricing or simply responding to legitimate market demand?

Published MAY 28

New York, New Jersey Subpoena FIFA Over World Cup Ticket Prices

Story

Above: A general view of the field preparations at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts on May 26. Image credit: Michael Owens/Getty Images

The Facts

The attorneys general of New York and New Jersey issued subpoenas to FIFA on Wednesday as part of a joint investigation into the governing body's ticketing practices for the 2026 World Cup, which begins June 11 across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
State of New Jersey
Reuters
The probe focuses on eight matches at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., including the July 19 final. Investigators are examining whether FIFA's ticket release schedule and public statements contributed to soaring prices.
Financial Times
ESPN
FIFA used dynamic pricing for the first time at this year's tournament. Between October 2025 and April 2026, prices reportedly rose for more than 90 of the 104 matches, with the three main ticket categories increasing by an average of 34%.
The Wall Street Journal
La Voce di New York
Fans reported being assigned less desirable seats after FIFA introduced new "Front Category" zones following initial ticket sales. Some buyers who paid for Category 1 seats — the closest to the field — were reassigned to Category 2 areas.
The New York Times
CNN
California Attorney General Rob Bonta also contacted FIFA earlier in May, requesting information about ticket sales for World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood and Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara to assess potential legal violations.
Financial Times
ESPN
FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the organization's pricing, citing global demand and North American market rates. FIFA has reportedly sold 90% of available inventory, with ticketing and hospitality revenue projected to exceed $3 billion.
The Wall Street Journal
Dw.Com

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

FIFA turned the 2026 World Cup into a cash grab, using fake scarcity and dynamic pricing to push average ticket prices. New York and New Jersey are right to subpoena FIFA and hold the organization accountable for exploiting American soccer fans.

Courthouse News Service

guardian

Narrative B

FIFA is responding to real market forces in the world's most developed entertainment economy. The pricing reflects genuine demand, and the prices are a result of interest in the product.

Gothamist on X