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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Tales Azzoni

FIFA blames empty seats at World Cup match in Mexico on fans in the concourses

Czechia South Korea WCup Soccer - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

FIFA on Friday blamed the empty seats during the World Cup match between South Korea and the Czech Republic in Guadalajara on fans who watched from the concourses.

There were many visible empty spots at the 45,664-capacity Guadalajara Stadium, with sections in the middle of the stands showing many unoccupied spaces and with other empty seats scattered around the venue. The announced attendance was 44,985 — including FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

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