World Cup Match Shows Empty Seats Despite Official Attendance of 44,985
6 verified1 unconfirmed
The second match of the 2026 World Cup between South Korea and the Czech Republic at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara drew an official attendance of 44,985, though many empty seats were visible throughout the near-capacity 46,000-seat stadium. The scenes renewed pre-tournament concerns about ticket pricing and demand for the expanded 48-team tournament. The opening match at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium had more than 80,000 fans. Fans have complained about high ticket prices and the cost of travel and accommodation across the three host nations. South Korea won the match 2-1.
What’s verified
South Korea defeated the Czech Republic 2-1.
Official attendance at Estadio Akron was 44,985.
The stadium holds approximately 46,000 spectators.
Empty seats were visible during the match.
The opening match between Mexico and South Africa at Azteca Stadium attracted over 80,000 fans.
Fans have raised concerns about high ticket prices and travel costs for the tournament.
Not yet confirmed
A single report stated that ticketed fans were seen on concourses rather than in their assigned seats and that the organizers released a photo showing a mostly full stadium. The same report noted empty seats after half-time in a match between Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Another single report included specific comments from FIFA President Gianni Infantino defending ticket pricing, a supporter group complaint to the European Commission, and a subpoena from New York and New Jersey attorneys general regarding ticketing practices. That report also said FIFA has sold over 6 million tickets and that an analysis found hotel and ticket costs for early games could be comparable to a month’s rent in Chicago. Only one source reported that tickets for matches involving smaller nations were available well below face value.
Key figures
Gianni Infantino (FIFA President), Donald Trump (U.S. President)
