FIFA announced an attendance of 44,985 for the Group A match between South Korea and the Czech Republic at Estadio Akron, a stadium with a 46,000-seat capacity. Official figures were based on tickets scanned and spectators counted within the stadium footprint, not on visual cues of seat occupancy.
Observations by fans and media crews showed large gaps of empty seats and a number of ticketed supporters standing in concourses rather than seated inside the stands, leading to concerns that the reported attendance was higher than the actual in‑stadium crowd.
Ticket pricing for the World Cup has been a point of contention. The expanded 48‑team tournament saw fluctuating prices and availability, with many fans reporting that the cost of tickets and travel has made the event less accessible.
Despite the attendance figure, the match went on to finish 2‑1 in favour of South Korea, a bright night for the hosts but a night of disappointment for the Czech Republic that had only a handful of fans present.
Statements from FIFA and stadium officials emphasised that they work with ticketing partners to verify operational data, and they acknowledged the presence of fans in concourses during the game.
