• New York and New Jersey have subpoenaed FIFA over ticket pricing for the 2026 World Cup.
• Concerns include high prices and misleading seat assignment practices.
• The investigation focuses on eight matches, including the final at MetLife Stadium.
• Attorneys General assert that FIFA's practices have created confusion for consumers.
• Complaints from fans regarding received ticket categories are also being investigated.

The states of New York and New Jersey have begun investigating FIFA's ticketing practices for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, issuing a subpoena aimed at uncovering details surrounding pricing and seat assignments. Both Attorney General Letitia James of New York and Attorney General Jennifer Davenport of New Jersey have expressed concerns that ticket prices have "far exceeded" those of any previous World Cup tournament, which they categorize as a potential violation of consumer trust, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters.

The investigation is particularly centered on allegations that fans purchasing Category 1 tickets are instead being assigned less desirable seats farther from the action, specifically in Category 2. This has prompted the attorneys general to seek clarification on how FIFA has set ticket pricing and seat allocation for the eight World Cup matches scheduled to occur in New Jersey, according to South China Morning Post and Reuters.

James and Davenport emphasized the need for transparency in ticket sales, stating, “No one should be manipulated into paying sky-high prices for seats.” They highlighted that the public confusion surrounding FIFA’s dynamic pricing strategy and the last-minute introduction of new premium categories of tickets have exacerbated the situation. This includes complaints regarding misallocations linked to ticket purchases made as far back as October of the previous year, according to Al Jazeera, Reuters, and South China Morning Post.

The attorneys general have made clear that they will not tolerate exploitation of consumers, particularly during such a significant event as the World Cup. “It’s an honor to host the World Cup, but the event is not an invitation to exploit our residents and visitors,” Davenport remarked, reflecting on the critical nature of their upcoming efforts to safeguard consumer interests, according to South China Morning Post and Reuters.