FIFA set to offer 20,000 free tickets to fans for Women's World Cup 2023

FIFA has recorded fewer sales through tickets for the upcoming tournament

Concerned about the poor rate of sales in New Zealand, FIFA announced they are giving away 20,000 free tickets for Women's World Cup 2023 matches in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, and Dunedin.

The majority of the 1 million tickets that have been sold so far have been purchased by co-hosts Australia, whose "Matildas" squad is thought to be a serious title contender.

The 'Football Ferns' haven't won a game in any of their previous five World Cup outings, according to Sarai Bareman, FIFA's chief women's football officer, and the sport has a lower profile in New Zealand.

5,000 free tickets to matches in New Zealand's four host cities are being provided by Xero, the occasion's official sponsor.

Jacinda Ardern, a former prime minister of New Zealand, is also attempting to generate interest.

"My feed is going to be dominated by a lot of football chat these next few weeks - not because I'm an expert, but because I'm so excited that New Zealand is hosting such a massive event...," she posted on Instagram,

"There are still tickets to some games across New Zealand (Auckland, Dunedin, Wellington and Hamilton) so whether you're an amateur enthusiast or an expert, this is your reminder to jump online and join in!"

On July 20, the Women's World Cup begins with the Football Ferns playing Norway at Eden Park, and Australia playing Ireland in Sydney later that evening. With 32 teams, it will be the largest edition yet, and Fifa anticipates record broadcast viewing numbers to support its significant investment in the game.

Stadium attendances, however, are the most obvious indicator, and in New Zealand, the uptake hasn't been as strong as anticipated, with only six of the 29 matches listed on the Fifa ticketing website showing they are at or close to sell-out levels.

• Match 3: 21 July, 5pm – Dunedin – Philippines vs Switzerland
• Match 5: 21 July, 7.30pm – Wellington – Spain v Costa Rica
• Match 6: 22 July, 7pm – Hamilton – Zambia v Japan
• Match 20: 26 July, 7.30pm – Auckland – Spain v Zambia

Fifa said today that they will distribute 5000 free seats to each of the subsequent matches on a first-come, first-served basis to matchups.