Ireland World Cup opener set to be moved after incredible demand for tickets

Authored by extra.ie and submitted by ToberOct

Ireland's opening game at the Women's World Cup looks set to be moved after an overwhelming demand for tickets.

Following their heroics last year, Vera Pauw's side are set to become the first Irish team to take part at the FIFA Women's World Cup this coming summer.

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The Girls in Green have been drawn into a tough group with Nigeria, Canada, as well as co-hosts Australia.

Ireland World Cup opener set to be moved after an incredible demand for tickets. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

The Matildas are set to take on Ireland in the curtain raiser for the tournament and the demand for tickets has been absolutely through the roof.

The game was initially set to be held at the 42,500-seater Sydney Football Stadium at Moore Park on July 20 but that plan looks set to be scrapped.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the match is set to be moved to the far bigger Accor Stadium, which boasts a capacity of 83,500.

The Ireland World Cup opener could be played at the far bigger Accor Stadium in Sydney, Australia. Pic: Cameron Spencer/AFL Photos/Getty Images

It is believed that FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been a personal supporter of this move.

The massive Irish diaspora already living in Australia has also contributed to FIFA deciding on a venue change.

The change would ensure that both Ireland and Australia will play in front of the largest crowds in their women's national team's histories.

A mere 1,700 tickets - which amounted to 4% of overall capacity - was offered to travelling Irish fans for the original venue.

Should the match be moved to the Accor Stadium, the game would be played in front of the second biggest crowd in Women's World Cup history.

Just over 90,000 watched the USA claim the 1999 edition of the tournament against China at the Rose Bowl in California.

xwingx on January 15th, 2023 at 13:15 UTC »

Congrats Ireland! Cheers from Vietnam, our girls are first time in wc too.

pickypawz on January 15th, 2023 at 09:53 UTC »

That’s awesome, congratulations to them!

Tiddlyplinks on January 15th, 2023 at 03:07 UTC »

How long have they been trying?