The 2026 World Cup ticket row has become a political problem for FIFA in the United States, with Gianni Infantino now under pressure to explain a pricing system that has angered supporters before the tournament has even kicked off.
What began as frustration over expensive tickets has developed into a wider scrutiny issue for football’s governing body.
According to the Daily Mail, a US congresswoman has called on Infantino to explain himself as criticism grows over alleged price gouging around the tournament.
That political pressure now sits alongside a formal investigation in New York and New Jersey, where officials have demanded answers from FIFA over its ticketing practices for the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA ticket row becomes political issue before 2026 World Cup
The problem for FIFA is no longer limited to fans complaining online about ticket prices. The issue has now reached politicians, state authorities and consumer protection officials in the United States.
That changes the tone of the story. FIFA can still argue that prices reflect demand, but it now has to defend that position in front of public officials rather than only disappointed supporters.
The Daily Mail report says Infantino has been called on to explain the situation after the World Cup ticket controversy escalated.
That is significant because the 2026 World Cup is supposed to be a showcase event in North America. Instead, one of the major build-up stories is now about whether ordinary fans are being priced out.
New York and New Jersey subpoena FIFA over ticketing practices
New York Attorney General Letitia James and New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport have subpoenaed FIFA as part of an investigation into ticketing practices for the upcoming World Cup.
The attorneys general said the investigation followed reports that fans did not receive seats as advertised and faced soaring ticket prices.
The subpoenas seek information about ticketing practices at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which will host eight World Cup matches, including the final on July 19, 2026.
The Associated Press reported that officials are examining complaints about soaring prices, variable pricing models and seat relocations.
AP also reported that some seats for the final are going for nearly $33,000. That figure explains why this has become more than a routine ticketing row.
Gianni Infantino has defended World Cup ticket prices
FIFA’s defence is based on demand. Infantino has argued that ticket prices must be viewed through the reality of the US market. Speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference, he said FIFA had to look at the market.
That is a clear commercial argument. The 2026 World Cup is a huge event, demand is enormous and FIFA believes the pricing reflects that demand.
But the political response shows the limits of that argument. The World Cup is not just another premium sporting event. It carries a different expectation because it is supposed to represent the global game.
When ticket prices become the dominant story before the tournament, FIFA loses control of the message.
FIFA risks damaging the World Cup’s image before a ball is kicked
The danger for FIFA is reputational. The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest edition of the tournament, staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico. It should be a moment of expansion for the sport in North America.
Instead, FIFA is facing questions over access, fairness and transparency. The organisation may be able to justify its pricing in business terms. That does not mean the public will accept it in football terms.
Supporters understand that World Cup tickets are valuable. They also expect a process that feels fair, clear and accessible.
That is why the political pressure matters. It shows the controversy has moved beyond normal anger about high prices.
FIFA now has to explain not only what its tickets cost, but why the process has created such a damaging backlash before the tournament has even started.
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