Spain vs Sweden semi-final: Attendance and TV audience records shattered

Spain's historic victory over Sweden drew a record audience of 43,217 spectators, making it the biggest crowd of the 2023 Women's World Cup.

The 2023 Women's World Cup in New Zealand and Australia has been a resounding success, with record-breaking attendance and viewership numbers. In New Zealand, a total of 708,743 tickets were sold for the 29 games played in the country, surpassing the initial goal of 500,000 set by the government. The semi-final match between Spain and Sweden drew the largest crowd, with 43,217 spectators witnessing Spain's historic victory at Auckland's Eden Park.

Throughout the tournament, the average attendance in New Zealand was 24,439 spectators per game, and the maximum attendance record of 43,217 was broken three times. The thrilling semi-final clash between Spain and Sweden was a true spectacle, with three goals scored in a frenetic nine-minute spell in the last 10 minutes of the match. Spain's victory marked the first time they had beaten Sweden in history and secured their place in the final.

The match was not only witnessed by the live audience but also garnered significant viewership on television and social media. In Spain, the game was broadcast live on state television RTVE's La 1 channel. The viewing figures exceeded expectations, with an average audience of 1,921,000 and a 45.4% share. At its peak, 3,755,000 spectators were tuned in, making it the most-watched football match in the history of the Women's World Cup. The post-game broadcast, which included highlights, interviews, and analysis, also drew excellent figures.

In Australia, the excitement surrounding the tournament reached new heights as the Matildas made history by defeating France in the quarter-finals. This victory came after a thrilling penalty shootout, which captivated the nation. Australia, as co-hosts, had never previously reached a World Cup semi-final, making their success even more remarkable. The record attendance for matches played in Australia during this edition of the World Cup was 75,784 for three games at Sydney's Stadium Australia.

Overall, FIFA announced that the average attendance across the 10 venues was 28,900, surpassing previous Women's World Cups and the 2019 edition in France. The tournament has showcased the growing popularity and excitement surrounding women's football, with fans flocking to stadiums and tuning in from around the world. As the competition progresses, it is clear that the 2023 Women's World Cup is breaking records and leaving a lasting impact on the sport.