FIFA insists the attendance figure for the World Cup clash between South Korea and Czech Republic was accurate after pictures appeared to show thousands of empty seats.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 1 Highlights: 3 red cards marred Mexico vs South Africa opener despite the co-hosts securing a 2-0 win. In the second game of the day, South Korea defeated Czechia 2-1.

South Korea and Czech Republic are underway in their Group A clash on the opening day of the 2026 World Cup. Estadio Akron plays host as LAFC’s Son Heung-min captains Korea and the Czechs return to the tournament for the first time since 2006.

FIFA have released a statement regarding the empty seats during the World Cup match between South Korea and Czechia.

South Korea defeated Czechia 2–1 in a FIFA World Cup group match after recovering from a set-piece goal conceded in the second half. Tactical adjustments, higher tempo play and a late counter-attack helped secure victory after dominating possession earlier.

Second-half goals by Oh Hyeon-gyu and Hwang In-beom steered South Korea to a win over Czechia in a Group A encounter.

Asian giants South Korea face two-time runners-up Czechia in the second match of the opening day of World Cup 2026.