2026 World Cup Empty Seats Czech Republic vs South Korea

On June 11, 2026, the match between the Czech Republic and South Korea at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis drew a subdued crowd. The 67,000-seat venue reported an attendance just over 31,000, marking one of the lowest turnouts of the tournament so far.

Attendance Figures

The official attendance of 31,120 represented less than 47 percent of stadium capacity. Empty rows were visible around the pitch throughout the 90 minutes. This figure fell well below the average turnout of roughly 50,000 for group-stage matches, highlighting an unexpected gap in spectator interest.

Contributing Factors

Weekday scheduling and local demographics emerged as key reasons for the low turnout. The Tuesday afternoon kick-off coincided with work and school hours for many fans. Neither the Czech Republic nor South Korea has a large diaspora in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metro area, and long travel distances limited traveling-supporter numbers. Warm afternoon temperatures and ticket-pricing levels also played roles in dampening attendance. Secondary market activity remained low, suggesting fewer last-minute buyers.

On-Pitch Action and Implications

On the field, the Czech Republic secured a 3–1 victory, but goals by Patrik Schick and Tomáš Souček could not fill the stands. FIFA and local organizers will review these attendance patterns before assigning future matches in U.S. venues. Adjustments to game times, ticket packages, and targeted marketing may help boost turnout for less high-profile fixtures.

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Source: The New York Times