FIFA asserts that the attendance number for the World Cup game between South Korea and the Czech Republic is accurate, despite images suggesting that many seats were vacant.
The attendance for the Group A match held early Friday morning in Guadalajara was reported as nearly full, at 44,985, prompting skepticism among spectators.
In response, FIFA provided its own images, stating that the attendance figure comes from “verified operational data,” including everyone present within the “stadium footprint.”
– South Korea achieves a dramatic victory to kick off their FIFA World Cup campaign
– South Korea defeats Czechia with a stellar performance by Hwang In-Beom
A representative from FIFA stated: “Official attendance figures represent the number of tickets scanned and fans present within the stadium footprint, rather than visual assessments of seating occupancy at any given point during the match.”
“FIFA collaborates closely with stadium authorities and ticketing teams to ensure that all published figures are based on verified operational data. It’s worth noting that during Thursday’s match in Guadalajara, several ticketed fans were observed standing in concourses instead of remaining in their assigned seats throughout the game.”