The FIFA World Cup 2026 has already sparked debate after large sections of empty seats were visible during South Korea’s 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in Guadalajara. Despite FIFA announcing an attendance of 44,985 fans at the 45,664-capacity Akron Stadium, television images showed numerous vacant seats across different parts of the ground. The sight immediately triggered criticism from supporters, with many questioning FIFA’s ticket pricing strategy just one day into the tournament.
First Major Test of Ticket Demand
The match was viewed as the first major test of World Cup ticket demand outside host nation Mexico’s opening game. While Mexico’s clash with South Africa attracted a packed crowd at the Azteca Stadium, the atmosphere in Guadalajara told a different story. Fans and observers pointed to expensive ticket prices as the main reason for the visible gaps. Seats in some sections cost between $400 and $500, while premium hospitality packages were reportedly priced above $5,000.
Fans Question FIFA’s Ticket Pricing Strategy
The controversy intensified after reports suggested that many World Cup matches still had unsold tickets available through official resale platforms shortly before the tournament began. Thousands of seats remained available across several venues, raising fans’ concerns on social media about whether prices had been set too high for regular supporters. One fan on X wrote, “It was the dumbest decision to bring World Cup to US, first of all everyone is fu*ked by the time zone. US's time is behind everyone and the matches are at hours that most people sleep. My buddy who is a football fanatic is cursing every day cause he can't see the matches live”. Another posted, “You are stupid to buy a ticket for group stage for 400 dollars”. A third fan commented, “FIFA got their money, scalpers lost out obviously not being able to resell.” One supporter commented, “Excellent news! May the wicked FIFA fail”. Another wrote, “People need to boycott this shit show because of Infantino and Trump”.
On-Field Action
On the field, South Korea recovered from a goal down to secure all three points. The Czech Republic took the lead through Ladislav Krejci, who powered home a header from a long throw. However, South Korea responded quickly. Hwang In-beom equalised after a clever run into the penalty area before calmly finishing past goalkeeper Matej Kovar. The winning goal arrived later in the second half when Oh Hyeon-gyu converted a dangerous cross from Hwang. The result was particularly painful for the Czech Republic after Tomas Soucek had a goal ruled out for offside just minutes earlier.
Post-Match Discussion
While South Korea celebrated an important opening victory, much of the post-match discussion focused on the empty seats and growing concerns over World Cup ticket prices.
