FIFA has attributed the empty seats at the World Cup match between South Korea and the Czech Republic in Guadalajara to fans watching from the concourses. Despite the visible empty spots in the 45,664-capacity Guadalajara Stadium, the announced attendance was 44,985, which included FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Sections in the middle of the stands had unoccupied spaces, while other empty seats were scattered around the venue.
According to FIFA, official attendance figures are based on the number of tickets scanned and spectators present within the stadium footprint, rather than a visual assessment of seating occupancy during the match. FIFA emphasized its collaboration with stadium authorities and ticketing teams to ensure the accuracy of published figures.
During the match in Guadalajara, several ticketed fans stood in concourses rather than occupying their assigned seats. This was evident with a significant number of fans in these areas and by the concession stands throughout Thursday’s match.
Empty seats were also noted in Toronto, where the stadium was near full for Canada’s first World Cup match on home soil. There were empty spots close to the field in the lower bowl and in a high corner of temporary seating. The stadium has an official capacity of 43,036, and additional seating was added to meet FIFA’s minimum standards. The announced attendance was 43,002.
Toronto is hosting a busy sports weekend, with events including the Blue Jays playing against the New York Yankees and the Canadian Open golf tournament happening nearby.
FIFA has implemented record-high ticket prices across the World Cup venues in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Utilizing dynamic pricing, the organization has consistently raised prices since tickets went on sale last fall. FIFA President Infantino defended these prices as appropriate for the North American market, despite criticism over the list prices reaching five figures. Ahead of the tournament’s commencement on Thursday, 29 games were sold out, with wheelchair seats available for some of those, and 75 matches had tickets remaining.
Additional coverage of the World Cup can be found at the Associated Press hub.