Everything you need to know about the FIFA Women’s World Cup commentators

World Cup Commentators

Australia’s first match against Ireland kicks off on July 20 at 8:00 pm AEST

Australia is set to host the world at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, to be staged across Australia and New Zealand for the first time ever. 

From the opening ceremony on July 20, through to the Cup final on August 20, 7SPORT’s Mel McLaughlin and Bruce McAvaney will lead the commentary team delivering 15 key matches – including the first-round clash between Australia and Ireland, major Quarterfinals, both Semi-Finals and the decider and will be broadcast live on Channel 7 and 7plus.

Replays of all Matildas matches will be available on 7plus, as well as bonus content including athlete interviews and feature stories. 

Sunrise will feature highlights of the matches every morning while 7NEWS will feature exclusive reports, team news and pitch access, with live coverage from 5:30 am each day. 

At 2:00 pm on each day of the tournament, Mel McLaughlin, Kat Sasso, Dani Pirrello and Nick Stav will host the Highlights show, a 30-minute program to wrap up all matches and breaking news and views. 

Other commentators will feature on Optus Sport’s coverage of the World Cup with Australian commentary legends Simon Hill and Robbie Thomson calling matches for football fans. 

Optus Sport’s Amy Chapman, who will be teaming up with Mark Schwarzer for around-the-clock coverage of the Matildas on Optus Sport, will be in co-commentary for all matches featuring the Australian national team.

Speaking about the tournament’s coverage, she said, “I am incredibly excited to be a part of the Optus Sport team again, joining a number of former national team stars and hosts embedded in the game to dissect the game.

“We promised we would have the most comprehensive coverage in France in 2019 and we did. This time, for the World Cup on our own shores, we are looking to take that to another level altogether.”

The full international English language commentary team includes:

Lead Commentators: Simon Hill (AUS), Robbie Thomson (AUS), Simon Brotherton (UK), Kevin Keatings (UK), Mark Scott (UK), John Roder (UK), Paul Walker (UK), Chris Wise (UK), Steve Wilson (UK)

Co-Commentary: Amy Chapman (AUS), Melissa Barbieri (AUS), Izzy Christiansen (UK), Rehanne Skinner (UK), Laura Bassett (UK)

See Also: TV Guide: Australia begin their quest for the World Cup trophy against Ireland on Seven and 7plus

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