California Attorney General Rob Bonta said on April 16 that the state has contacted FIFA about potential legal violations in World Cup ticket sales, after fans alleged their seat categories were changed after purchase.
The investigation comes amid widespread complaints about high ticket prices for this year's tournament. The Athletic earlier reported that World Cup ticket buyers accused FIFA of 'deceiving' them with inaccurate stadium maps showing seat locations.
More than 3 million tickets for the 2026 World Cup, running from June 11 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, were sold in four different price categories based on color-coded stadium maps. However, ticket holders for 'Category 1' were later assigned to areas previously marked as 'Category 2,' according to reports.
In a letter to FIFA, Bonta stated: 'Californians need to be able to trust that the seats they buy match the information presented during the ticket sale process.' He demanded FIFA provide copies and dates of changes to seat maps, as well as the number of fans who received tickets lower than what was promised.
FIFA claims the category maps are only for 'reference' and provide 'guidance, not exact seating arrangements.'
Soaring World Cup ticket prices have sparked global backlash. The Football Supporters Europe (FSE) called the World Cup pricing structure 'outrageous' and 'a major betrayal.' The most expensive ticket for the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar was around $1,600, while the 2026 World Cup final ticket costs up to $32,970.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino argued the prices are appropriate for the United States, which hosts the majority of matches, including the semifinals and final.
