The attorneys general of New York and New Jersey have launched a joint investigation and issued subpoenas to FIFA regarding its ticketing practices for the 2026 World Cup. The probe, announced Wednesday by New York's Letitia James and New Jersey's Jennifer Davenport, focuses specifically on matches scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The investigation centers on reports that fans were misled about the location of their seats and claims that FIFA's public messaging contributed to inflated prices. Officials have alleged that the ticketing process was characterized by fake scarcity and impossibly high prices, described by New Jersey's Attorney General as a gauntlet of confusion.
US prosecutors stated that the World Cup is not an invitation to exploit residents and visitors. The scrutiny follows increasing criticism of the soccer governing body after ticket prices soared for the 2026 tournament, with some buyers complaining they did not receive the seats they paid for.