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.

Czechia, who beat Ireland in a play-off in March to qualify for the World Cup in the USA and Canada, lost their tournament opener to South Korea after ex-Celtic striker Oh Hyeon-gyu scored a late winn

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.

After Mexico sealed a comprehensive win against South Africa, seven hours later, South Korea have also started their 2026 World Cup campaign with a huge victory against Czechia, coming from behind to secure three points and go second in Group A.

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.

WORLD CUP fans were seething after the second showdown of the tournament was played in front of huge amounts of empty seats. Having already seen Mexico beat South Africa, South Korea and Czechia