New York and New Jersey Attorneys General to Subpoena FIFA for Ticketing Practices

In a press release, New York Attorney General Letitia James and New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced that they are seeking specific information regarding ticketing procedures for the eight World Cup matches taking place in New Jersey, which includes the final on July 19.

The attorneys general further stated that some fans have complained about not receiving tickets in the category they had purchased. The press release indicates that certain fans who chose and paid for Category 1 tickets, the seats nearest the pitch, were instead allocated seats further back in Category 2 sections.

"New Yorkers have anticipated the World Cup arriving in their area for years, and they are entitled to a genuine opportunity for reasonably priced tickets," James remarked. "No one ought to be tricked into paying exorbitant amounts for seats, and supporters must have confidence that the tickets they buy will be exactly what they receive."

The attorneys general also announced they will probe FIFA's ticket pricing for the 2026 World Cup matches, which, they claim, have "far surpassed" those of any prior World Cup event.

"Honesty in ticket sales is straightforward. However, FIFA has transformed the process of purchasing a World Cup ticket into an ordeal of confusion, artificial scarcity, and unreasonably high costs, all to the detriment of consumers and diligent New Jersey residents," Davenport stated.

FIFA declined to provide a comment.

The 2026 World Cup kicks off on 11th June and will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.