Building on the buzz around the Women’s World Cup, Chelsea Women’s first fixture of the new season will be staged at Stamford Bridge.

Tickets will be free to the match on Sunday 8 September – a London derby against newly promoted Spurs. Fans can each reserve four tickets.

With the Women’s Super League now sponsored by Barclays, the match against Tottenham Hotspur Women kicks off at 12.30pm, with 40,000 expected to attend – eight times the capacity of Chelsea Women’s home, Kingsmeadow. The stadium is available because there is an international break for the men.

A host of Chelsea Women played their part in making the World Cup in France – won on Sunday by the USA – a roaring success with huge TV audiences.

Fran Kirby, Erin Cuthbert, Magda Eriksson, Maren Mjelde, Jonna Andersson, Maria Thorisdottir and new summer signing Guro Reiten will be in the Blues’ squad, as well as Millie Bright and Carly Telford, pictured.

Now that Chelsea captain Karen Carney has announced her retirement for the game, manager Emma Hayes will be looking to appoint a successor, with Bright – currently vice-captain – tipped for the honour.

“This celebration of women’s football at England’s top level will feature our many returning players who starred in the World Cup in France,” said a Chelsea spokeswoman. “If you have never been to a Chelsea Women’s game before, this is your chance to do so for free in one of football’s most famous stadiums.”

If it pulls in a big crowd, some other Chelsea Women matches – such as against Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United – may be moved from Kingsmeadow to Stamford Bridge, including some double-headers with the women’s matches kicking off two hours ahead of the men’s equivalent fixture.

Man City v Man U will also be shifting, to the Etihad on the opening weekend.

You can book up to four free tickets for Chelsea v Spurs. As well as the match itself, other family entertainment is being planned.

Tickets are available from Wednesday at https://tinyurl.com/y4dc2xqw