FIFA are facing mounting pressure ahead of the 2026 World Cup after multiple American states launched investigations into the organisation’s ticketing practices.
Concerns have continued growing over soaring prices, limited ticket availability, and allegations of misleading sales tactics.
The situation has now escalated significantly with several legal authorities demanding answers from football’s governing body.
Supporters have repeatedly complained about the cost of attending matches in the United States.
Many fans were already struggling with expensive travel and hotel prices before ticket prices increased sharply.
Meanwhile, several venues still have huge numbers of unsold seats despite the tournament approaching quickly.
England supporters have become particularly vocal because Thomas Tuchel’s side are expected to attract massive travelling support during the competition.
However, prices for England’s opening World Cup match against Croatia at the 80,000-seat AT&T Stadium in Arlington remain extremely high.
The cheapest available ticket currently costs around £524, while premium Category One seats are reportedly priced at £1,431.
The situation has raised concerns among local authorities and members of US Congress.
According to The Sun, attorneys general in New York, New Jersey, and California are taking legal steps regarding FIFA’s ticket sales process.
New York and New Jersey officials have reportedly subpoenaed FIFA representatives over concerns involving rising prices and alleged “fake scarcity” tactics designed to inflate demand.
Meanwhile, California authorities are investigating whether FIFA violated state laws through allegedly misleading seating maps.
Meanwhile, criticism has also arrived from within football itself. Outgoing Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said:
“I really don’t understand how someone can set ticket prices for regular stands to be so high.”
Now, FIFA faces growing scrutiny as pressure increases ahead of the biggest World Cup in football history.
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