FIFA defends low visible attendance at 2026 World Cup matches

Television coverage of the 2026 World Cup has shown large gaps of empty seats at matches in Guadalajara, Mexico, and at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, United States. FIFA reported attendance figures of 44,985 out of 45,664 seats for the South Korea‑Czech Republic game and 67,966 of 68,827 for the Switzerland‑Qatar match, but broadcast images indicated many sections, especially premium hospitality areas, appeared largely vacant. The organization explained that its attendance count includes anyone inside the stadium perimeter—fans in concourses, food courts, or internal corridors—rather than seats occupied at a given moment. Critics have highlighted the high ticket prices, often $500‑$5,000 for VIP sections, and note that about 180,000 tickets remained unsold before the tournament began. Attorneys general in New York and New Jersey have opened investigations into FIFA’s pricing and ticket‑allocation practices. The controversy raises questions about the accuracy of reported crowd sizes and the accessibility of the tournament for ordinary fans.