Texas Attorney General Investigates StubHub Over World Cup Ticket Cancellations
The Texas Attorney General's office has launched an investigation into StubHub following reports of World Cup fans having their tickets canceled without replacements. Customers who had purchased tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup found their orders suddenly canceled, leaving them without tickets for the highly anticipated event. This led to additional challenges for fans who had already made travel plans and accommodations for the World Cup matches.
2 Helps You, a news segment, shared stories of fans who experienced ticket cancellations just days before the games. One fan, Lisa Coulter, had her order canceled six days before a match in Houston but was able to secure replacement tickets after reaching out to StubHub. Another fan, Marilyn Gonzales, had a similar experience with her family's tickets being canceled before a match in Houston, leading her to file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General's Office.
Despite some fans receiving refunds for their canceled tickets, the option for replacement tickets was not always provided by StubHub. The company has faced criticism for failing to respond to inquiries about potential solutions for affected fans. Similar complaints have emerged nationwide, prompting the state to investigate StubHub for possible ticketing issues.
The Attorney General's Office has received complaints from fans across the country, including in Texas, about StubHub canceling tickets shortly before matches. Some complaints suggest that tickets were listed and sold without the seller actually possessing them, a practice known as "ghost ticketing." This has left buyers without tickets when it comes time for delivery.
StubHub has attributed some of the ticketing problems to transfer issues related to FIFA's ticketing platform. The company has expressed regret over fans' experiences and stated that it tries to find replacement tickets when feasible. Fans who have encountered ticketing issues are encouraged to file complaints with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.
As the investigation into StubHub continues, fans who purchased World Cup tickets through the platform are advised to follow a step-by-step guide to ensure their tickets are transferred correctly and appear in the FIFA app before game day. The state is closely monitoring the situation to address any potential ticketing discrepancies and ensure fans receive fair treatment in their ticket purchases.