Empty seats seen at World Cup game after controversy over ticket prices

Key Points:

• Large numbers of empty seats, particularly in VIP sections with tickets priced around $5,000, were visible during the World Cup match between South Korea and the Czech Republic, raising concerns about FIFA's high ticket prices.
• Ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup have increased fivefold compared to the 2022 tournament, with general admission starting at $140 and some final match tickets reaching up to $32,970, prompting criticism from fan groups and investigations by multiple state attorneys general.
• FIFA reported selling over six million tickets but has not clarified whether attendance figures reflect actual entry or ticket sales, amid reports of many unsold tickets still available on official and resale platforms.
• FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the pricing strategy, comparing it to other major sports events and stating that more tickets would be released closer to matches, including those reserved for knockout stage teams.
• Despite some sold-out games, a significant number of tickets remain unsold, with the median resale price dropping by 20% recently, indicating potential challenges in filling stadiums at current price levels.