9 Jun 2023

World Cup set to become most attended global women's sports event

9:59 am on 9 June 2023
FIFA World Cup tournament ball

Photo: Supplied: FIFA

This year's Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand is on track to become the most attended standalone women's sporting event ever with FIFA saying over one million tickets have been sold already.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the ninth edition of the Women's World Cup, which starts on July 20, when New Zealand play Norway at Eden Park has sold 1,032,884 tickets, surpassing the previous tournament in France in 2019.

Katie Bowen of New Zealand playing against Argentina in 2023.

The Football Ferns will play Norway in the tournament opener. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

"The future is women, thanks to the fans for supporting what will be the greatest FIFA Women's World Cup ever!," Infantino said in a statement.

"The momentum is building in the host countries and across the globe, and I look forward to seeing you there to witness the stars of women's football shine on the world stage."

FIFA had already announced that Australia's opening match against Ireland will change venue to the 83,500-capacity Stadium Australia, the tournament's largest stadium, due to high public demand for tickets.

-Reuters