Seven announced 7SPORT anchor Mel McLaughlin and broadcasting icon Bruce McAvaney will lead the network’s coverage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 – live, free on Seven and 7plus.
The news was revealed at a special lunch event held by the network at Allianz Stadium on Thursday.
From 20 July to 20 August, Australians will be spoilt with the best of world football as the Matildas go for glory at the biggest global sporting event this year, to be staged across Australia and New Zealand for the first time ever.
Seven will be there as Australia’s Matildas campaign for a maiden title, with 15 key matches – including the opening match, Quarterfinals, Semi-Finals, the Final and every Matildas game – to be broadcast live and free across the screens of Seven.
As the world unites, one of Australia’s most authoritative football voices, Seven’s McLaughlin, will deliver on her vast FIFA World Cup experience alongside arguably one of the greatest sports broadcasters, McAvaney, who will bring his profound sporting expertise and lyricism to the beautiful game.
Also joining the special event on-air team are host and commentator Adam Peacock and 7SPORT presenter Emma Freedman.
Drawing on their playing experience and close ties to the national team, Matildas star and two-time Olympian, Elise Kellond-Knight, and three-time FIFA Women’s World Cup star Heather Garriock will also play vital roles as game day pundits.
Calling all the action will be veteran football commentator David Basheer, with insights from former Matildas player and emerging broadcast talent Grace Gill.
Lewis Martin, Seven’s head of network sport and managing director of Seven Melbourne, said: “This FIFA Women’s World Cup is set to be the most exciting sporting event of the decade, breaking new ground for Australian sport and capturing the imagination of all Australians.
“The 7SPORT family could not be more thrilled to be harnessing the passion for the world game and sharing that enthusiasm and athletic excellence with our audience, which is already treated to the best in AFL, cricket, horse racing and motorsport, live and free on Your Home of Sport.
“Our own Mel McLaughlin is living her childhood dream at the helm of such an historic competition, while Bruce McAvaney’s love for all sport shows in every event he covers and this global tournament will be no different,” he said.
“So, settle into your front-row seat on Channel 7 and 7plus and watch the greatness unfold,” Martin added.
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Top image: Adam Peacock, Grace Gill, Heather Garriock, Mel McLaughlin, David Basheer. Bruce McAvaney and Emma Freedman