FIFA confirm over ONE MILLION tickets have been sold ahead of Women's World Cup

Ticket sales for the 2023 Women's World Cup have exceeded one million, eclipsing the historic mark set in France four years ago.

The forthcoming tournament, hosted in Australia and New Zealand, is set to get underway on July 20 with an expanded format of 32 teams.

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, announced the landmark achievement that he believes signifies a growing interest in women's football.

'Delighted to share with the world that FIFA has passed one million tickets sold for this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup,' he wrote in a message posted on Instagram.

'As I write this, 1,032,884 tickets have been sold. This means that with over one month to go before kick-off, we have surpassed the numbers sold for France 2019, thus meaning that Australia & New Zealand 2023 is on track to become the most attended FIFA Women's World Cup in history.

'The momentum is building in the host countries and across the globe, and I look forward to seeing you there to witness the stars of women's football shine on the world stage.'

The unabashed optimism on display from Infantino belies a serious issue surrounding the tournament that threatens to upstage any and all momentum for the event.

FIFA are currently in the midst of a dispute over TV rights, with Infantino last month threatening a European blackout if they don't receive improved offers from broadcasters.

That sparked governments of the 'big five' nations on the continent - UK, France, Spain, Germany and Italy - to 'fully mobilise all stakeholders.'

Broadcasters in the UK appear to be closest to reaching an agreement with the BBC and ITV reportedly working on a deal to share duties covering the tournament.

But with no deadline for a deal to be struck, talks could take place right up until the start of the tournament.