According to a report released on Monday by FIFA, more than 1.5 million tickets have been sold for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Maria Strong, who planned a family outing to the Group G match between Italy and Argentina at Auckland's Eden Park, bought ticket number 1,500,000.

FIFA said in a statement that the outing was planned to honour her son, who was celebrating his 12th birthday.

Strong, her husband and their three kids were allowed to meet FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who gave them the chance to witness the tournament's final matches at the Auckland location.

“It was great to meet the family that has bought the 1,500,000th ticket; they are a family from Auckland with three children and they have a passion for the game,’’ said Infantino.

“We purchased the tickets last night and it’s been such a great night, we’re from Botany in Auckland.

“We caught the train in and even though it’s a school night, it’s been amazing and so easy,’’ Strong said.