The World Cup began with euphoria in Mexico City, where a packed stadium cheered on the host nation toward victory. But in the tournament’s second match, numerous empty seats were visible in the stands during South Korea’s triumph.
The scenes that occurred Thursday in Guadalajara highlight weeks of questions about the real demand for the tournament. These concerns are fueled by elevated ticket prices and FIFA’s commercial strategy.
The stadium with nearly 46,000 seats showed a large number of visibly empty seats. Official attendance recorded was 44,985 people, far below its total maximum capacity.
Why Are There Half-Empty Stands at the 2026 World Cup?
Fans had been complaining about excessively high ticket prices months before the tournament. They were also frustrated with accommodation costs and flights to travel between the three countries. Access to U.S. visas has also drawn heavy public scrutiny. These administrative and economic obstacles have limited participation by many international supporters.
@dondalibc Too empty #mundial #mundial2026 #fifaworldcup ♬ Musical Violino – Marcos Abreu
An analysis by NBC News on affordability revealed wide availability of hotels and tickets. However, the total cost could be equivalent to a month’s rent in Chicago. FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the elevated ticket prices. He claims they are in line with other major international sporting events.
The FIFA has sold more than 6 million tickets for this historic edition of the tournament. Demand has exceeded expectations “by a margin of ten times or more.” “Our ticket price, which is $60, is the lowest of all U.S. sports,” Infantino said. That statement seeks to justify costs amid growing public criticism.
What Criticism Does FIFA Receive Over Prices?
Some fan groups have strongly questioned the FIFA president’s official stance. Football Supporters Europe filed a complaint with the European Commission in March of this year. The organization accused FIFA of excluding lower-income fans. They argue that prices are “exorbitant” and vastly exceed previous historic editions of the Cup.
