July 25, (THEWILL) – The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 has enjoyed overwhelming success in its opening days, with a record-breaking number of attendances and ticket sales.
Within just six days of the tournament, over 1.5 million tickets have been sold, and fans from around the world have been captivated by the competitive matches and vibrant atmosphere in the host nations. The success has prompted FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, to express his gratitude to Australia and New Zealand for their efforts in elevating the profile of women’s football on a global scale.
President Infantino praised the host nations, stating: “Football unites the world, and New Zealand and Australia are uniting the world Down Under. They have done a tremendous job in welcoming everyone involved in the Fifa Women’s World Cup, from volunteers and police officers to all the employees. The warm and welcoming atmosphere they have created is truly priceless.”
The opening day of the tournament witnessed a staggering 117,000 fans packing the stadiums in Auckland and Sydney. New Zealand’s opening night defeat of Norway in Auckland drew an all-time high crowd for a football match in the country, while Australia’s match against the Republic of Ireland in Sydney saw the highest attendance at a FIFA Women’s World Cup in 24 years.
The tournament has surpassed all expectations, selling more than 1.5 million tickets for the 64 matches in just six days. The average attendance of 28,721 fans per match marks a remarkable 54% increase compared to the first 16 games of the previous tournament.
The inclusion of Fan Festivals, a first for a Fifa Women’s World Cup, has added to the festive atmosphere, with over 120,000 people participating in the celebrations across the host cities. The global reach of the tournament has been extensive, with matches being broadcasted in 200 territories through 130 broadcasters expected to reach an astonishing two billion viewers worldwide.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
