The city’s affordable World Cup ticket lottery is drawing massive demand, and for some New Yorkers, frustration too.
Queens resident Galiah Morgenstern has tried signing up multiple times this week, only to be met with messages saying, “registration failed.”
What You Need To Know
The mayor’s office said 150,000 New Yorkers have already signed up for affordable World Cup tickets, with Tuesday’s slots disappearing in less than three minutes
City Hall said Wednesday’s sign-up process also faced another challenge — mass bot activity attempting to enter the lottery system
New York State Attorney General Letitia James and New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport have now subpoenaed FIFA as part of an investigation into broader World Cup ticketing practices tied to matches at MetLife Stadium
“I’m not really a soccer fan, but I said, ‘It sounds like such a great opportunity,’” Morgenstern said.
The city launched a lottery for 1,000 $50 tickets to this year’s FIFA World Cup matches. The mayor’s office said 150,000 New Yorkers have already signed up, with Tuesday’s slots disappearing in less than three minutes.
City Hall added that many of the “registration failed” messages mean the daily limit had already been reached.
“I understand that not everybody is going to get it, but at least people who are trying should feel that they are able to at least have a chance,” Morgenstern said.
City Hall said Wednesday’s sign-up process also faced another challenge — mass bot activity attempting to enter the lottery system. Officials said the ticketing platform added extra security screening to block suspected bots, which slowed the process down while filtering registrations.
The scramble for tickets is also drawing attention from investigators.
“It’s unacceptable that FIFA uses misleading ticketing schemes and change prices for consumers who desperately want to see these games,” New York State Attorney General Letitia James said.
James and New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport have now subpoenaed FIFA as part of an investigation into broader World Cup ticketing practices tied to matches at MetLife Stadium. The attorneys general said some fans reported paying for premium seats only to later receive less desirable ones.
They’re are also investigating soaring ticket prices tied to FIFA’s variable pricing system.
“If they have engaged in deceptive business practices, we are looking for some reimbursement to consumers as well as some behavioral changes going forward,” James said.
NY1 reached out to FIFA for comment, but has not heard back.
As for the affordable alternatives, the city said New Yorkers can continue entering the lottery through this Saturday, with winners selected June 3r.
And despite the frustration, Morgenstern said she’s still planning to log back on.
“I do hope it will work. I definitely will keep trying,” Morgenstern said.