FIFA Responds After Empty Seats Were Spotted During World Cup Opening Matches

FIFA has responded to concerns after empty seats were spotted in sections of stadiums during the opening matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Reports indicated that ticket prices for this year’s tournament started from around $140 for matches involving the 48 participating nations.

Meanwhile, tickets for the World Cup final in New Jersey reportedly began at a staggering $8,680 for standard seating, making it one of the most expensive sporting events to attend.

Following the reactions, FIFA released an official statement explaining that attendance figures are not determined by visual assessments of occupied seats.

The statement read:

“Official attendance figures reflect the number of tickets scanned and spectators present within the stadium footprint, rather than visual assessments of seating occupancy at any given moment during the match.

“FIFA works closely with stadium authorities and ticketing teams to ensure all published figures are based on verified operational data.

“Please note that, during last night’s match in Guadalajara, several ticketed fans could be seen standing in concourses rather than staying in their assigned seats throughout the match.”

To support its explanation, FIFA also released an image showing a largely filled stadium during one of the matches.

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