FIFA claims fans stayed on concourses instead of seats in Group A match

FIFA reported 44,985 attendance for the South Korea vs Czech Republic match despite many fans standing in concourses rather than seated areas.

Match attendance figures disputed FIFA stated that 44,985 people entered Estadio Akron in Guadalajara for the Group A game between South Korea and Czech Republic, a venue with a capacity of 46,000. The announcement sparked doubts about the accuracy of the crowd count. FIFA explained that official attendance reflects tickets scanned and spectators inside the stadium footprint, not a visual estimate of seats filled during the match. The governing body added that it collaborates with stadium and ticketing teams to ensure published figures rely on verified operational data. ## Fans seen outside assigned seats FIFA highlighted that many ticketed attendees chose to stand in concourses rather than occupy their designated seats throughout the match. A photograph released by organizers showed a stadium that appeared mostly full. During the game, several empty seats became noticeable after halftime in another Group A encounter between Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina, though the crowd gradually increased. ## Host nation supporters dominate venue Over 80,000 spectators attended the opening match at Azteca Stadium as co-hosts Mexico faced South Africa. At Estadio Akron for a later fixture on Thursday, most attendees were Mexican fans. A significant South Korean fanbase was present for their 2-1 victory, while only a small Czech contingent appeared to support their team. ## Czech team faces tough travel ahead The Czech Republic, appearing in their first World Cup in two decades, must travel extensively during the group stage. Their schedule includes a trip to Atlanta before returning to Mexico City for the final group game. Ticket availability and pricing have fluctuated across various platforms, with thousands of tickets still unsold for multiple matches. ## Ticket prices drop for smaller nations BBC Sport found tickets for matches featuring less prominent teams now sell for far below original prices. This trend appears on FIFA’s official resale platform and other secondary ticketing sites. Rising costs for travel and accommodations have also been cited as reasons why some fans may be unable to attend the tournament hosted across Mexico, Canada, and the United States.