South Korea defeated Czech Republic 2-1 at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara on June 12 with announced attendance of 44,985 in the 46,000-seat stadium. Visual empty sections prompted accusations of inflated figures, but Fifa clarified its methodology.
Fifa stated that 'official attendance figures reflect the number of tickets scanned and spectators present within the stadium footprint, rather than visual assessments of seating occupancy.' Multiple ticketed fans were observed standing in concourses rather than remaining in assigned seats throughout the match.
Czech Republic qualified only in March and face a demanding travel schedule, visiting Atlanta before returning to Mexico City for their final group game. This late qualification and logistical burden limited Czech fan attendance, with mostly Korean supporters present at the match.
Swathes of empty seats have appeared in other early matches including Canada-Bosnia, though attendance has varied widely; Mexico-South Africa drew over 80,000 fans, primarily Mexican supporters. Ticket pricing and hotel costs have escalated, leaving smaller-nation supporters priced out of the tournament.