FIFA criticised for empty seats and soaring ticket prices at 2026 World Cup

FIFA said that fans were seen standing in the stadium corridors during the South Korea‑Czech Republic group‑stage match in Guadalajara, which created the appearance of empty seats. The organisation reported an official attendance of 44,985 in a venue that holds 45,664, emphasizing that "official attendance figures show the number of scanned tickets and spectators present inside the stadium, not visual estimates of seat occupancy at any time during the match".

The same issue is expected to reappear at the upcoming England‑Croatia game in Texas, where media outlets have highlighted large gaps in the stands despite the tournament’s record‑high ticket prices. Prices for standard tickets start around $867 and can exceed $9,200 for premium hospitality packages. FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the pricing, stating that the prices are "appropriate for the North American market" and that lowering them would only boost resale profits. Critics note that many tickets remain available on official resale platforms, underscoring concerns that ordinary fans are being priced out of the event.

The controversy adds to earlier criticism of the tournament’s dynamic pricing model, which has been applied across the three host nations – the United States, Canada and Mexico – and has sparked broader debate over accessibility and fan experience at the 2026 World Cup.