The 2023 Women's World Cup has proven to be an unprecedented success as attendance and ticket records continue to shatter expectations. With the Australian national team, Matildas, putting on remarkable performances and the tournament's expanded 32-team format, soccer enthusiasts from around the world have flocked to the event hosted jointly by Australia and New Zealand.
In a statement released on August 15, soccer's global governing body, FIFA, revealed that an astonishing 1.77 mn tickets have been sold for the Women's World Cup. The enthusiasm and fervor surrounding the tournament have translated into an impressive total attendance of 1,734,028 for the first 60 games. With four more games remaining, these figures are expected to rise even further.
A standout moment for the tournament occurred at Sydney's iconic Stadium Australia, originally constructed for the 2000 Olympics. The venue witnessed a record-breaking match attendance of 75,784 fans for three games, even under restricted capacity conditions.
One of the most striking aspects of this edition of the Women's World Cup has been the average crowd size across the 10 host venues. With an average attendance of 28,900, this year's tournament has surpassed all expectations, surpassing the 2019 edition's average by over 7,000 spectators. Moreover, the current average attendance exceeds the historical average for the eight previous Women's World Cups by more than 4,000 spectators.
The expansion of the tournament from 24 to 32 teams has undoubtedly contributed to the increased interest and fervor among fans. This larger pool of teams has brought diverse playing styles and captivating narratives to the forefront, resulting in a more engaging and competitive spectacle for the audience.
One of the defining moments for Australia in this Women's World Cup was their sensational run to the semifinals. The Matildas achieved this historic feat by securing a nerve-wracking 7-6 penalty shootout victory against France in Brisbane. This triumph marked the first time Australia reached the semifinals, sparking immense pride and excitement throughout the nation.
As anticipation builds for the forthcoming semi-final clash between Australia and European champion England on August 16, it is evident that the country is rallying behind its women's soccer team. The upcoming match is expected to capture the nation's attention, causing a temporary standstill as fans from all walks of life tune in to support the Matildas.
The enthusiasm isn't limited to the general public. Other Australian sports teams, including the men's basketball team, Boomers, have made adjustments to their schedules to accommodate the Women's World Cup semi-final broadcast. The Boomers, led by Atlanta Hawks guard Patty Mills, rescheduled their warm-up game against Brazil to ensure both players and supporters could watch the historic match.
Mills expressed his team's solidarity with the Matildas, acknowledging that the women's soccer team had captivated the entire nation with their remarkable journey.
"The Matildas have really captured the nation this World Cup. Just like the rest of the country, our Boomers team have been locked in for each game, watching it as a team," he shared.
As the 2023 Women's World Cup continues to captivate global audiences, the records being set in attendance and ticket sales stand as a testament to the growing popularity and significance of women's soccer on the world stage. With the semi-final and final matches yet to come, the excitement and drama are sure to reach new heights, leaving a lasting impact on the landscape of international sports.
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