Moncton organizers of the local FIFA Women's World Cup games are struggling to sell tickets for next week's first match.

Stéphane Delisle, the general manager of the Moncton site, says ticket sales for the first local FIFA Women's World Cup game on June 9 still haven't reached the 75 per cent mark. (Marc Genuist/CBC) They've even resorted to dropping ticket prices to $5 for students.

Stéphane Delisle, the general manager of the Moncton site, ​says he can't say how many tickets have been sold for the June 9 game between France and England — two of the top contenders for the top spot.

But he does confirm they haven't filled 75 per cent of the University of Moncton stadium's 15,000 seats yet.

Still, Delisle remains confident. "We're looking positive," he said.

The Canadian Soccer Association is hoping to have full houses for all six of the opening matches across the country and is hoping to sell 1.5 million tickets during the month-long tournament, which would be a world record for a FIFA women's tournament or any other women's sports tournament.

I can't speak to how we nationally, or locally, may change our ticketing strategy over the coming days. - Stéphane Delisle, Moncton venue general manager

The last World Cup in Germany sold just over 800,000 tickets.

As it stands, Moncton ticket sales are lagging behind those of other host cities. In Winnipeg, for example, where the U.S. team is playing, the games are sold out.

And in Edmonton, where Canada will play its first game against China on June 6, about 42,000 tickets have been sold — about 75 per cent of the seats at the Commonwealth Stadium.

"I can't speak to how we nationally, or locally, may change our ticketing strategy over the coming days," said Delisle.

But people who already bought tickets at the regular prices, which range between $20.15 and $80 a seat, are not eligible for a refund, he said.

Delisle is hoping the $5-ticket deal for Moncton-area students, which ended on Tuesday night, will encourage lots of students to show up and help build momentum for ticket sales for the six other local games.

Students will be encouraged to show their school colours and school spirit in the stands, he said. Those deemed to demonstrate the best spirit will be recognized with a visit from the women's national team at their school in the fall.

Moncton will host group stage games on June 9 and June 13 pitting France against England, Colombia against Mexico, France against Colombia and England against Mexico.

Games on June 15 and June 17 will see Ivory Coast take on Norway and Costa Rica against Brazil.

A Round of 16 game will be held on June 21.

The other Canadian host cities include Montreal, Ottawa and Vancouver.