World Cup 2026: FIFA defends attendance figures after images show empty seats

[caption id="attachment_1313791" align="alignnone" width="612"] ZAPOPAN, MEXICO - JUNE 11: Fans of Czechia celebrate their team after the 2026 FIFA World Cup First Stage Group A match between South Korea and Czechia at Estadio Akron (Guadalajara Stadium) in Zapopan, Guadalajara, Mexico on June 11, 2026. (Photo by Luciano Gonzalez/Anadolu via Getty Images)[/caption]FIFA has insisted that the attendance figure for the World Cup Group A clash between South Korea and Czech Republic was accurate, after pictures appeared to show thousands of empty seats at the stadium in Guadalajara.The crowd was officially announced as near-capacity at 44,985, leading onlookers to question the figure given the visible gaps in seating.However, world governing body FIFA defended the numbers, stating that the attendance was based on "verified operational data" and included all those present within the "stadium footprint" including fans standing in concourses rather than in their assigned seats."Official attendance figures reflect the number of tickets scanned and spectators present within the stadium footprint, rather than visual assessments of seating occupancy at any given moment during the match," a FIFA spokesperson said."FIFA works closely with stadium authorities and ticketing teams to ensure all published figures are based on verified operational data."The spokesperson added that during Thursday's match, several ticketed fans could be seen standing in concourses rather than staying in their assigned seats throughout the match.The early morning kickoff time may have also contributed to the movement of fans within the stadium, with some spectators opting to stand in shaded or concourse areas rather than remain in their seats under the sun.FIFA's response seeks to clarify the discrepancy between visual perception and official data, emphasising that attendance figures are not determined by real-time seating occupancy but by scanned tickets and verified entries.