• Loading stock data...
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Free Women’s World Cup Tickets Offered With New Zealand Sales Lagging

  • A FIFA sponsor is offering 20,000 free tickets to matches in New Zealand.
  • Tickets are not selling fast in New Zealand, which has a much smaller population than Australia.
Womens-World-Cup
FIFA

One week out from the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, the gap in population size between the two countries could be responsible for slow ticket sales.

Despite being on pace to set a Women’s World Cup attendance record, a FIFA sponsor is shelling out 20,000 free tickets to matches in New Zealand — where tickets have been less popular. Of the 1.25 million tickets sold so far, only 320,000 are for matches in New Zealand.

Australia’s population of 25 million is five times New Zealand’s five million — yet Australia is hosting just six more of the tournament’s 64 matches (35 in Australia, 29 in New Zealand). In terms of the stadium capacities of the 10 World Cup venues, the six Australian stadiums account for 58% of the 2.45 million tickets potentially available.

Of course, fans travel from across the globe for the World Cup — which could alleviate the population difference — but there have been fewer hotel bookings in New Zealand than originally expected. This World Cup is more complicated than others, as many fans need to acquire two separate travel visas in order to see matches in both countries.

Settling Up

FIFA, which compensates clubs whose players compete at World Cups, will pay out $209 million to 440 clubs from 51 different countries for participating in last year’s men’s edition in Qatar.

The daily amount of $10,950 for each of the 837 players is an increase from the $8,530 at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

After Draft-Day Snub and Drama, Sanders to Start Preseason Opener

Multiple injuries mean Sanders gets the nod for the opening preseason game.

US Open Breaks Prize Money Record, Still Leads All Grand Slams

The total 2025 US Open prize money is $85 million.

Former Heat Security Guard Indicted in $2M Memorabilia Scheme

He is accused of stealing more than 400 game-worn jerseys and other memorabilia, prosecutors say.

WNBA Hits Sophie Cunningham With Fine Over Ref Criticism—Again

Cunningham was fined $500 in July for criticizing referees on a TikTok.

Featured Today

Dec 14, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; President Donald Trump wave during the second quarter of the game between the Navy Midshipmen and the Army Black Knights at Lincoln Financial Field

‘Political Gold’: Trump Putting His Stamp on College Sports 

Trump has embraced executive action on hot-button college sports issues.
August 3, 2025

Inked Under Anesthesia: Athletes Getting $50,000 Tattoos

High-end studios, elite artist teams, and hours under anesthesia.
Coco Gauff at New York Liberty
August 2, 2025

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
Jun 13, 2018; Moscow, Russia; A general view of a beer stand inside of Luschniki Stadium one day prior to the start of the FIFA World Cup 2018.

Saudi Arabia Says No Alcohol at 2034 World Cup

Saudi Arabia won’t allow alcohol anywhere during the 2034 World Cup.
Paralympics Tiktok
August 25, 2024

The Wildly Successful Paralympics TikTok Account Isn’t What You Think

A cheeky TikTok account is opening the world of Paralympic sports.
January 13, 2025

Gavin Newsom Reveals Status of 2028 Olympics As Los Angeles Wildfires Roar

Gavin Newsom says there’s a “Marshall Plan” to rebuild Los Angeles.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
August 11, 2024

Passing of the Torch: Los Angeles Set for Olympic Firsts in 2028

The city last hosted the Summer Olympics in 1984.
August 1, 2024

Saudi Arabia Submits Bold World Cup Bid That Includes a Cliffside Arena

The Saudis are proposing a new stadium in a futuristic city called Neom.
John John Florence (USA) surfs in men’s round two competition during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Tsurigasaki Surfing Beach.
July 29, 2024

Olympic Surfers Won’t Get Their Full Paris Moment

‘We’re kind of separate off on our own little thing over here.’
Teahupo'o Tahiti Surfing
July 26, 2024

Olympic Surfing Crashes on Tahiti Like a Wave

For Teahupo‘o’s locals, the Olympics are a mixed blessing.