FIFA has announced that it will provide 20,000 free tickets for Women’s World Cup matches to be held in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Dunedin.
The decision comes in response to concerns over slow ticket sales in New Zealand. While co-hosts Australia have secured the majority of the 1 million tickets sold so far, with their national team, the Matildas, considered strong contenders for the title, New Zealand has the country’s less footballing presence. The profile has seen sales slow and the ‘Football Ferns’ are yet to win in their last five World Cup appearances.
FIFA’s chief women’s football officer Sarai Breman acknowledged the challenges of attracting fans to football stadiums in New Zealand due to the sport’s low profile. To further boost attendance, Xero, the official partner of this year’s event, is offering an additional 5,000 free tickets to matches in the four New Zealand host cities.
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has also taken to social media to generate interest in the tournament. In an Instagram post, he expressed his excitement about hosting such an important event and encouraged fans, whether casual or experts, to take advantage of the available tickets and join the excitement.
New Zealand’s national team, the Football Ferns, will open their Women’s World Cup campaign against former champions Norway in Auckland on July 20. The provision of free tickets aims to attract a large audience and create a dynamic atmosphere in the stadiums throughout the tournament, showcasing the talent and passion of women’s football at the global level.
