Organisers are targeting a combined attendance of 100,000 fans at the two opening games of the FIFA Women’s World Cup on July 20.
They are looking to sell out the 40,000-plus capacity at Auckland’s Eden Park and have moved the first game in Sydney to Stadium Australia (Accor Stadium) which can hold 83,500.
Main photo: Eden Park … aiming for a sell-out crowd on July 20.
The Sydney match, between co-host Australia and the Republic of Ireland, was originally scheduled for Allianz Stadium, where the capacity is 45,500.
But FIFA have now confirmed the stadium switch.
In a statement, FIFA said:
“Stadium Australia was due to host knockout matches only, but given the significant interest in tickets, FIFA has taken the decision to move Australia’s first match to Sydney’s largest stadium.”
Opening day not sets up a juicy double with New Zealand playing Norway at 7pm (NZ) and the first Australian fixture kicking off at 10pm (NZT).
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“The change of venue for the first match in Australia was agreed due to a desire to ensure that as many fans as possible can attend the fixture, in line with FIFA’s commitment to organise a Women’s World Cup that goes Beyond Greatness,” FIFA says.
“The decision follows a thorough assessment of the competition and operational implications, as well as a comprehensive consultation process and agreement with key stakeholders.”
FIFA Secretary General, Fatma Samoura, said:
“FIFA’s mission is to organise the biggest and best Women’s World Cup in history this year, and fans, those who bring colour, passion, and atmosphere to stadiums will be such an integral part of the tournament’s success.
“With this in mind, we have taken a decision that will enable over 100,000 fans to attend the opening matchday, providing more opportunities for supporters to engage with the FIFA Women’s World Cup as a month of football we will never forget gets underway.”
Fans who have already purchased tickets to Australia’s inaugural match will be notified by email that the match has been relocated and their tickets will remain valid at Stadium Australia.
Additional single-match passes for Australia against the Republic of Ireland will go on sale on Friday February 24, 2023, at FIFA.com/Tickets. Sales will commence at midday AEDT/02:00 CET.
As planned, on Friday March 3, 2023, the Second Sales Phase will conclude, with the Last-Minute Sales Phase commencing on Tuesday 11 April 11, 2023 – 100 days prior to the opening matchday.
For further ticketing information and updates on the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, please visit FIFA.com/tickets regularly.
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