NEW JERSEY — The attorneys general of New York and New Jersey have officially launched an investigation into FIFA's ticket pricing and transport cost practices for the 2026 World Cup. FIFA has been subpoenaed to provide information as part of the inquiry and has been asked to explain why ticket prices for the tournament have exceeded those of any previous World Cup.

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport described FIFA's ticket sales process as a "gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity and impossibly high prices." She added, "Being honest about ticket sales is not complicated. It's an honour to host the World Cup but the event is not an invitation to exploit our residents and visitors." New York Attorney General Letitia James said local residents "deserve a fair shot at affordable tickets." She also stated, "No-one should be manipulated into paying sky-high prices for seats and fans should be able to trust that the tickets they purchase will be the ones they receive."

Allegations under review include claims that FIFA used variable pricing across sales phases to raise prices for about 90 of the 104 fixtures by an average of 34%. Fans have also reported being misled about seat locations, including through the release of more expensive "front" category tickets after initial sales concluded. Samuel AA Levine, commissioner of the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), said the agency would take "allegations of blatantly deceptive conduct very seriously" and investigate claims of "artificially inflating prices." He added, "Reports of FIFA conduct in violation of the city's consumer protection law, including misleading fans about seat locations and artificially inflating prices, are deeply troubling." As of Wednesday, face-value tickets were available for 86 of the 104 matches and for all but 10 of the group-stage matches.