FIFA grant one World Cup nation free tickets for entire tournament after being sued

The furore over World Cup 2026 ticket pricing is continuing even with the tournament's opening ceremony just 10 days away.

World Cup ticketing has become symbolic of profiteering and price gouging on FIFA's watch.

Football's world governing body has done little to defend itself from allegations of turning the sport's global showpiece into a circus of greed in recent decades, and the sheer cost of attending this summer's tournament as a fan defies belief.

Fans heading for the United States, Canada and Mexico are paying through the nose for everything from ground transport to match tickets.

The sight of FIFA president Gianni Infantino buddying up to Donald Trump might distract from tensions between FIFA and the World Cup co-hosts, but there are aspects of this summer's tournament that host cities regard as causes for complaint.

"Being honest about ticket sales is not complicated, but FIFA has turned buying a ticket to the World Cup into a gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity, and impossibly high prices – all at the expense of consumers and hardworking New Jerseyans," said New Jersey attorney general Jennifer Davenport, via the Mirror.

Along with New York counterpart Letitia James, Davenport is taking legal action against FIFA.

"New Yorkers have been waiting years for the World Cup to come to their backyard, and they deserve a fair shot at affordable tickets. No one should be manipulated into paying sky-high prices for seats, and fans should be able to trust that the tickets they purchase will be the ones they receive," said James.

New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, the home of the New York Jets and New York Giants of the NFL, will host eight matches – including the World Cup final – as New York/New Jersey Stadium.

FIFA reportedly greenlights free tickets for Saudi Arabia fans

The Mirror reports that each Saudi fan who travels to the United States for the tournament will be entitled to a free match ticket.

"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," announced Saudi Arabia's embassy in the United States.

The move could save fans as much as £2,300, the currently reported top-end price of Saudi Arabia's group matches against Uruguay, Spain and Cape Verde.

Group H's third-placed team could play their fourth game at MetLife in the round of 32.

FIFA is understood to have approved the plan.