During the South Korea‑Czechia match in Guadalajara, television viewers saw large gaps in the stands despite FIFA reporting an attendance of 44 ,985, just shy of the stadium’s 45,664 capacity. The governing body later explained that many ticket‑holders chose to stand in concourses, a claim that has drawn fresh criticism over pricing and ticket availability.

44,985 reported attendance at Estadio Chivas vs visible empties

FIFA’s official figure of 44,985 for the South Korea game was derived from scanned tickets, not from a visual head‑count, according to the organization’s statement .. Yet the broadcast showed several sections clearly vacant, prompting viewers to question the reliability of the numbers.

Ticket prices up to $9,225 spark criticism

The tournament’s pricing structure has become a flashpoint, with the cheapest England‑Croatia ticket listed at $867 and premium hospitality packages reaching $9,225. FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the rates, saying the average price stays under $500 and mirrors major U.S. sports events, but critics argue the cost excludes many supporters.

Fans reportedly watching from concourses in Guadalajara

FIFA claimed that “several fans could be seen standing in concourses rather than staying in their seats” during the match, and that attendance counts include anyone present within the stadium footprint. This explanation, as reported by the source, attempts to reconcile the discrepancy between ticket scans and empty seats.

Unanswered: How many tickets remain unsold for upcoming matches?

The report notes that thousands of tickets are still unsold and some have been resold below face value, but it does not provide exact figures for future games.. Without clear data, it remains uncertain whether the concourse‑watching trend will persist or if empty seats will become a recurring issue.

Who will bear the PR fallout as empty stands persist?

As the World Cup moves forward, the combination of high prices and visible gaps threatens FIFA’s public image, especially after claims of 500 million booking requests. The organization must balance revenue goals with the need for a vibrant, full‑stadium atmosphere to satisfy fans and broadcasters alike.