The 2026 FIFA North American World Cup was engulfed in a controversy over empty seats from the moment it opened. FIFA announced that attendance nearly reached stadium capacity, but with numerous empty seats visible at the venue, fan frustration is growing.
According to British media including The Sun and The Independent on Friday, empty seats were confirmed throughout the Akron Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, where South Korea defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in their Group A opening match. FIFA put the attendance at 44,985 that day. This was close to the stadium capacity of 45,664.
However, broadcast footage and on-site photos captured numerous empty seats, particularly around the main stand and some premium seating sections. British media raised questions, saying "there is a gap between the official attendance figure and the atmosphere at the venue," and criticism poured out on social media along with related photos.
Fans responded with comments such as "This is the first time I've seen so many empty seats at a World Cup opener," "FIFA's operations are disappointing," and "It's hard to believe the sellout announcement."
From 660,000 Won Minimum to 1.65 Million Won Average... Fans Say "This Is a Festival for the Rich, Not a World Cup"
Excessively high ticket prices have been cited as the background to the controversy. According to ticket price aggregation sites, the lowest price for the Korea-Czech Republic match was around $431 (about 660,000 won). Despite being a group stage match, the average price was reported to have exceeded $1,000 (about 1.65 million won).
In particular, hospitality packages sold to corporate clients and VIPs were priced at thousands of dollars. Some seats were sold for $5,000 (about 7.6 million won), but the actual occupancy rate reportedly fell short of expectations.
Foreign media analyzed that such high-priced policies significantly reduced accessibility for ordinary football fans. Until just before the tournament opened, about 180,000 tickets remained on FIFA's official resale platform, and prices for some popular matches were cut significantly to boost sales.
The characteristics of the host city were also analyzed as a factor. Guadalajara, where the Korea-Czech Republic match was held, is a city with a relatively small economy even within Mexico. In addition, with the Czech Republic confirming its qualification relatively late, the size of the visiting supporters' group was inevitably limited, observers said.
Final Average Price Approaches 18 Million Won... Even Trump Says "A Price Even I Would Hesitate Over"
Meanwhile, the ticket price controversy is not limited to the group stage. The final, to be held in New Jersey, United States, on July 20, is drawing attention for ticket prices at the highest level in World Cup history.
The lowest price for some seats at the final exceeds $4,000 (about 6.06 million won), and the average price reportedly approaches $13,000 (about 18 million won). This is more than eight times higher than the average ticket price for the 2022 Qatar World Cup final.
As the price controversy grew, voices of concern emerged in political circles as well. U.S. President Donald Trump recently said of the World Cup ticket prices, "I didn't know it was that much," adding, "It's a price even I wouldn't readily want to pay." He went on to point out that working-class football fans could be excluded from attending in person.
FIFA has maintained its position that ticket sales revenue is used for the development of and investment in global football. However, with the empty-seat controversy continuing from the early stages of the tournament, observers say that the high barrier to attendance behind the splendid label of the largest World Cup ever is emerging as a variable for the tournament's success.
