FIFA Breaks Silence After Empty Seats Spotted at World Cup Match

FIFA has defended its official attendance figure after thousands of empty seats were visible during South Korea’s 2-1 win over the Czech Republic at the 2026 World Cup. The Group A match took place at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara and became an early flashpoint in the growing debate over ticket prices.

The governing body said its attendance figures are based on scanned tickets and verified stadium data, not on how full the seats appear on television at a particular moment. But the explanation arrived as criticism intensified over expensive tickets, resale availability and the accessibility of the expanded tournament.