FIFA face fresh scrutiny in 2026 World Cup ticket probe less than two weeks away from tournament

FIFA are facing growing pressure over ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup after fresh legal scrutiny emerged in the United States less than two weeks before the tournament gets underway.

With concerns over soaring prices and seat allocation complaints continuing to dominate discussion around the competition, authorities in New York and New Jersey have now formally stepped into the debate.

New York, New Jersey submit subpoena to FIFA over ticket prices

The attorneys general of New York and New Jersey have announced they have subpoenaed FIFA as part of an investigation into ticketing practices for the 2026 World Cup.

The investigation specifically relates to matches scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, including the World Cup final.

Officials say they are seeking internal FIFA information relating to ticket pricing, sales processes and seat allocation procedures.

A major focus of the investigation surrounds FIFA's use of dynamic pricing for the tournament – the first World Cup where ticket prices have been adjusted according to market demand.

According to the joint announcement, ticket prices for many matches reportedly increased significantly between October and April, with average rises across major ticket categories said to be around 34 per cent.

Authorities are also examining complaints from supporters who claim they may have been misled over seating locations.

The investigation references concerns that new premium ‘Front Category' seating zones were introduced after many fans had already purchased tickets, potentially leaving earlier buyers with less desirable seats despite paying for top categories.

Additional complaints reportedly involve supporters receiving seats outside the category they believed they had purchased.

FIFA has defended its pricing structure in recent months, with president Gianni Infantino previously stating that ticket prices reflected market conditions and demand levels within the United States entertainment market.

The latest development follows similar scrutiny from California officials earlier this month relating to matches scheduled for SoFi Stadium and Levi's Stadium.

FGG says: A growing issue FIFA can no longer easily ignore

Ticket pricing was always likely to become one of the major off‑field stories of this World Cup, but the fact that several US states are now launching legal reviews raises the stakes even further, shifting the issue from fan frustration to formal questions about fairness and transparency.

Dynamic pricing is nothing new in sports or entertainment, but World Cups have always carried a different emotional weight. For many supporters, the worry is not about premium hospitality, it is about feeling priced out of what is supposed to be football’s global celebration.

With the tournament fast approaching, FIFA will want the focus to be on the football, not the ongoing ticket row.

However, unless concerns around pricing and seat allocation ease quickly, this story is likely to run alongside the competition all the way into the summer.

And with so much uncertainty around access and affordability, fans planning their tournament experience may find it useful to read our 2026 World Cup betting guide, which breaks down the teams, odds and key storylines ahead of kick‑off.