FIFA news: Free World Cup tickets amid empty stadium fears

Full FIFA squads

World Cup 2026 Weekly news. We will bring you the latest from around the world as we countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

FREE TICKETS

We're into the home straight when it comes to counting down to the tournament getting started but now, after months of bad publicity when it comes to ticket prices, it seems some fans might get in for free!

The Saudi Arabian Football Association has taken matters into its own hands and will hand out complimentary tickets to fans on the ground to ensure there is a crowd.

Saudi Arabia, ranked 61st in the world, have been drawn in Group H where they will come up against Spain, Cape Verde and Uruguay and with tickets costing upwards of $AUD1,000, fans on the ground could be in for a treat.

“The countdown begins for the FIFA World Cup," the country's embassy said over the weekend.

“On this occasion, Saudi Arabia is offering free tickets for Saudi National Team fans present in the US.

“We wish our national team the best of luck as it represents the Kingdom with pride, passion, and the full force of a nation behind them.”

VISA ISSUES

South Africa's team are on their way to the World Cup but half the support staff and coaches are stranded.

The entire squad was scheduled to leave for America on Sunday (AEST) but had their travel plans thrown into doubt and delayed 24 hours because someone forgot to sort the Visas out in time.

Every player had been approved and they are clear to travel on Monday but they will be without an assistant coach, team doctor and head of security, according to the public broadcaster.

“This SAFA travel & visa debacle is embarrassing & grossly unfair towards the players & coaching staff,” South Africa’s sport minister Gayton McKenzie posted on social media.

“I have informed SAFA that I need a report and action must be taken against those responsible for this mess.

“We are being made to look like fools.”

South Africa are due to play the opening match of the tournament against Mexico on June 12 (AEST).

Rule changes play out

FIFA has made no secret of the rule changes that will be implemented at this World Cup and we saw one such change come into play over the weekend with Japan scoring against Iceland while they were down to 10-men for breaching the sub timings rule.

Players have 10-seconds to leave the pitch and if they do not, their replacement has to wait for 60-seconds.

RULES CHANGES TO WATCH FOR

• Five-second countdowns for throw-ins and goal-kicks
• Red cards for players covering their mouths during confrontations
• Punishments for teams walking off the pitch in protest
• Mandatory one-minute off-field treatment periods
• Mandatory hydration breaks each half