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NY, NJ AGs Subpoena FIFA Over $2 M Ticket Hikes

5/28/2026

Summary

James Subpoenas FIFA

NY Attorney General Letitia James and NJ Attorney General Jennifer Davenport subpoenaed FIFA for 2026 World Cup pricing.
FIFA added “Front Category” zones that moved earlier buyers to less-desirable seats.
Dynamic pricing lifted three main categories 34 percent between Oct 2025 and Apr 2026, sending $10,990 tickets to resale listings up to $2 million.
Mayor of New York opened a lottery for 1,000 $50 tickets and urged fans to file complaints with consumer agencies.

Summary

FIFA Adds $60

Gianni Infantino told the FIFA Congress in Vancouver that 500 million ticket requests were recorded and FIFA sold 100 percent of its inventory.
After U.S. lawmakers urged FIFA to lower World Cup ticket prices, saying dynamic pricing is exclusionary, FIFA added a limited US$60 tier in high stadium corners.
Officials responded to concerns by praising the investigation, offering free SEPTA rides after matches, and securing $50 tickets for residents.

Summary

FIFA Contest Subpoenas

FIFA may contest the subpoenas, with investigators expecting no response before the World Cup opens on June 11, 2026.
The 2026 World Cup, the first jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will feature FIFA’s Trophy Tour visiting 75 locations, including Brasília on February 26, 2026.
President Donald Trump said $1,000 tickets for the U.S. men’s opening match in Los Angeles are too high.

History

Historical Context

Before the 2014 World Cup, protests in Brazil—booing FIFA president Sepp Blatter and President Dilma Rousseff during the 2013 Confederations Cup—targeted the billions spent on stadiums and ticket sales. FIFA’s ticket rollout began 20 August 2013, receiving 2.3 million requests in 24 hours and allocating 889,305 tickets by draw. The unrest prompted FIFA to cancel opening-ceremony speeches, a precedent that informs scrutiny of the 2026 ticket model.

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James Subpoenas FIFA

NY Attorney General Letitia James and NJ Attorney General Jennifer Davenport subpoenaed FIFA for 2026 World Cup pricing.
FIFA added “Front Category” zones that moved earlier buyers to less-desirable seats.
Dynamic pricing lifted three main categories 34 percent between Oct 2025 and Apr 2026, sending $10,990 tickets to resale listings up to $2 million.
Mayor of New York opened a lottery for 1,000 $50 tickets and urged fans to file complaints with consumer agencies.

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