FIFA Explains World Cup Attendance Figures Amid Empty Seat Concerns

Fans attending the World Cup match between South Korea and the Czech Republic at Guadalajara Stadium were partly responsible for visible empty seats, according to FIFA. Despite the stadium’s 45,664 capacity, empty patches were noticeable, especially in central stands and scattered throughout. The reported attendance was 44,985, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

FIFA clarified that official attendance figures are based on ticket scans and the number of spectators within the stadium, not just occupied seats at any moment. They highlighted that many fans with tickets chose to stand in concourses rather than remain seated throughout Thursday’s match.

Similarly, at Toronto Stadium, some seats remained unoccupied during Canada’s first home soil World Cup match. Despite being nearly full, empty sections were seen close to the field and in a high corner. The stadium, with a 43,036 capacity, needed extra seating to meet FIFA standards. The attendance was announced at 43,002.

This coincides with a bustling sports weekend in Toronto, as the Blue Jays played the Yankees and the Canadian Open golf tournament occurred nearby. Ticket prices have been notably high for this World Cup, held at 11 stadiums in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada. FIFA implemented dynamic pricing, raising prices several times since tickets first went on sale last fall.

FIFA President Infantino justified these prices, saying they align with the North American market. However, large price tags, sometimes reaching five figures, have drawn criticism. Before the tournament’s start, 29 games were sold out, with some wheelchair-accessible tickets still available, and 75 events still had tickets.

Associated Press writer Lexie Linderman in Toronto contributed to this report.