FIFA, South Korea, Czech Republic, Guadalajara
12 June 2026
Thousands of empty seats appeared visible during South Korea’s win over Czech Republic in Guadalajara, despite FIFA announcing nearly 45,000 attendance. The sight stood out after Gianni Infantino claimed demand for tickets had been unprecedented.
The match became an early test of FIFA’s pricing model outside Mexico’s sell-out home opener. Expensive lower-tier, sideline and hospitality tickets appeared to leave major gaps, sharpening criticism around affordability, travel costs and tournament access.