Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is currently investigating StubHub following numerous reports from fans regarding the ticket resale platform’s alleged cancellation of FIFA World Cup tickets that had already been purchased. This investigation highlights consumer protection issues that have arisen since the 2026 FIFA World Cup began.
Fans across the United States, particularly in Texas cities like Dallas and Houston, have expressed frustration as they report that StubHub has canceled their tickets mere days or even hours before the matches are set to start. This has led to significant disappointment for many individuals who were looking forward to attending what is often a once-in-a-lifetime event.
According to the Texas Attorney General’s office, StubHub has attributed these cancellations to “transfer problems” related to FIFA’s ticketing platform. However, this explanation has not alleviated concerns among consumers, who are suggesting that these cancellations may be part of a larger issue commonly referred to as “ghost ticketing.” This practice involves sellers listing tickets they do not possess, collecting payment, and subsequently canceling the order when they cannot fulfill it.
Attorney General Paxton expressed his commitment to protecting Texas consumers, stating, “In many cases, attending a World Cup match is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If StubHub is ghost ticketing Texans out of that experience, my office will use every tool available to hold them accountable and help fans who have been wronged.”
Texans who have purchased World Cup tickets through StubHub and have not received them, or who have received tickets of significantly lesser value than what they paid for, are encouraged to file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. This step is crucial for holding companies accountable and ensuring that consumer rights are upheld.
