FIFA is facing new criticism over its ticketing practices after allegations surfaced that it may be selling unsold 2026 World Cup tickets through secondary resale platforms at prices lower than those listed on its official website.
The controversy centres on tickets for the Saudi Arabia vs Cape Verde group-stage match at Houston's NRG Stadium.
Florian Ederer, an economics professor at Boston University, shared screenshots on X showing large blocks of adjacent seats available on resale marketplace SeatGeek.
According to Ederer, the listings appeared unusual because entire rows and large groups of seats were being offered at once, rather than individual tickets or small groups typically seen in fan-to-fan resale markets. Some of the seats were reportedly listed for around $200, while comparable seats on FIFA's official platform were priced at about $700.
Ederer alleged that the pattern suggested unsold inventory was being sold in bulk on secondary marketplaces. Critics argue that reducing prices on FIFA's own platform could lead to complaints or refund demands from fans who purchased tickets at higher prices.
The allegations have not been proven.
SeatGeek has denied any collusion with FIFA, stating that it has no partnership or distribution agreement with the governing body. FIFA has not publicly responded to the specific claims.
The dispute comes as FIFA faces legal scrutiny in the United States over its World Cup ticketing operations.
In late May, New York Attorney General Letitia James and New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued subpoenas to FIFA as part of an investigation into complaints that fans may have been misled about stadium seating configurations and ticket availability.
Ticket pricing has also drawn criticism. FIFA's use of dynamic pricing has led to significant price fluctuations and higher costs for premium matches. According to a Guardian report, the most expensive ticket for the 2022 World Cup final cost about $1,600 at face value, compared with roughly $11,000 for the most expensive ticket to the 2026 final.
FIFA's resale policies have also come under scrutiny, as supporters are required to use the organisation's official resale marketplace, where commissions are charged to both buyers and sellers.