Read 3 minutes13 Jun 2026 03:09 PM IST
FIFA has pointed to “participating standing fans” as the reason behind the empty seats. World Cup Group A match between South Korea and Czech Republic in Guadalajara. While the World Football Association announced an attendance of 44,985 at the 46,000-seat Estadio Akron, several empty seats in the center of the stands were shown and other empty seats were scattered around the venue.
This led to accusations of attendance inflation from critics, who are also criticizing the unprecedentedly high ticket prices for the 2026 edition.
In an official statement, FIFA tried to clear the air. “Rather than a visual assessment of seating capacity at any given moment during a match, official attendance figures reflect the number of tickets scanned and the number of spectators present within the stadium footprint.”
The governing body added that it works closely with stadium authorities and ticketing teams to ensure that all published figures are based on verified operational data. “Please note that during last night’s match in Guadalajara, many ticketed fans were seen standing together throughout the match instead of staying in their assigned seats.”
Official attendance figures reflect the number of tickets scanned and the number of spectators present within a stadium footprint, rather than a visual assessment of seating capacity at any given moment during a match. FIFA works closely with stadium authorities and ticketing associations… pic.twitter.com/H3ijCEjbJS
— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) 12 June 2026
Toronto Stadium was nearly full for Canada’s campaign opener at home, but some seats were empty, in the lower bowl near the pitch and in the high corner of the temporary seating. The stadium is the tournament’s smallest venue with an official capacity of 43,036 and additional seats must be added to meet FIFA’s minimum standards. Friday’s announced attendance was 43,002.
Earlier, more than 80,000 spectators were at Aztec Stadium to witness the opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa, and mostly Mexican fans in attendance at Estadio Akron for the second match. Although South Korea had a significant presence in the stands, only a handful of Czech supporters showed up for the match, which the Koreans won 2-1.
FIFA has been using dynamic pricing and has repeatedly raised prices since tickets went on sale last fall. Before the quadrennial extravaganza began, 29 games were sold out (some of which were wheelchair accessible) and 75 tickets were available.