FIFA Addresses Empty Seats at World Cup Matches

On Friday, FIFA attributed the empty seats observed during the World Cup match between South Korea and the Czech Republic in Guadalajara to fans choosing to stand in the concourses. Despite several visible empty spots in the 45,664-capacity stadium, with notable vacancies in the middle sections and scattered seats elsewhere, the announced attendance was 44,985, which included FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

FIFA clarified that official attendance figures are based on the number of tickets scanned and individuals present in the stadium, rather than visual seat occupancy during the match. They added that many ticketed spectators were visible in the concourses rather than occupying their assigned seats.

Similarly, the Toronto stadium, the smallest venue in the tournament with a capacity of 43,036, was nearly full for Canada’s first World Cup match. However, there were some empty spots close to the field and a high corner of temporary seating. The announced attendance in Toronto was 43,002.

This weekend also saw other major sports events in Toronto, including a Blue Jays game against the New York Yankees and the Canadian Open golf tournament nearby. The World Cup is charging record high ticket prices across North American venues, utilizing dynamic pricing strategies.

FIFA has been repeatedly increasing prices since the tickets first went on sale last fall. FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the practice as being appropriate for the North American market. Nonetheless, the high prices have generated criticism, as some tickets have reached five figures. As of the tournament’s start, 29 games were already sold out, with limited wheelchair seating available for some of those games, while 75 had remaining tickets.

Additional insights contributed by Lexie Linderman in Toronto.