FIFA Women’s World Cup a ‘resounding success’ that attracted almost two million fans to games

The numbers have well and truly stacked up as co-hosts Australia and New Zealand rejoice in the success of the World Cup.

Sam Kerr reflects on the Matildas’ FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-final loss to England. Picture: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

The “biggest and best” FIFA Women’s World Cup attracted almost two millions fans to its 64 games, with an average attendance per game of 30,911.

The 2023 edition of the tournament, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, exceeded ticket sale expectations by almost 500,000, with the average crowd figure more than 9000 up on the 21,756 median at the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.

For the first time, the tournament broke even, with more than $A888 million in revenue generated.

In their seven games, the Matildas attracted a total of 403,136 fans, with the average of 57,591 per match reaching 99.92 per cent of capacity at each venue.

Emily van Egmond (left) and Sam Kerr thank fans of the Matildas. Picture: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

“Australia’s passion for football has never been clearer,” Football Australia chief executive officer James Johnson said.

“The record attendances, viewership numbers, and the extraordinary atmosphere throughout this tournament showcase how deeply our nation loves this game.

“We understood the transformational power of the tournament and have worked tirelessly since we were granted hosting rights to use this moment to springboard Australian football into a new future, with women’s football leading the way for the game.

“By every measure, the tournament has been a resounding success and the biggest and best ever edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“On behalf of Australian football, we would like to thank FIFA, our co-host Football New Zealand, the participating nations and the thousands of volunteers across the country who contributed to the success the tournament.”

FIFA fan festivals attracted 747.000, while the Matildas’ 3-1 semi-final loss to England was the most watched television program in Australia since 2001.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: “This FIFA Women’s World Cup has been truly transformational, not only in Australia and New Zealand but all over the world.

“In the host countries, we had almost two million spectators in the stadiums – full houses everywhere – and two billion watching all over the world – and not just watching their own country but watching the World Cup, because it’s an event (where) I don’t just watch my team.

“It’s great sport, it’s entertaining and people love it.”