Matildas’ success spurs new free-to-air rules for all Australian football World Cup matches

Football fans will continue to be able to enjoy Women’s World Cup matches on free-to-air after the Federal Government added future tournaments to the anti-siphoning list.

Fresh from the Matildas’ historic run in this year’s World Cup in Australia, which delivered record ratings for broadcaster Channel Seven, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has updated the protected list to include all Australian matches of football World Cups.

The list, which protects particular sports for free-to-air broadcast by preventing subscription services from locking away the rights, now has the same listing for both the men’s and women’s World Cups.

Protected under the list now are every match of a World Cup tournament involving the senior Australian representative team, the final and qualifying matches involving the Australian team played at home.

“The Albanese Government recognises the need for events of national importance and cultural significance to be made available live and free wherever possible. Much has changed in terms of technology, platforms and viewing habits in the decades since the scheme commenced – and we’re responding to that,” Ms Rowland said.

“The Matildas’ incredible performance in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup brought us together as a nation and will be talked about for years to come – we all shared in the excitement as the team progressed from stage to stage.

“They’ve inspired a whole new generation of Australian kids to take up soccer, boosting grassroots sports participation, while setting a number of viewership records as Australians tuned in and cheered our team on.

“Every Australian deserves the chance to enjoy live and free coverage of these events, no matter where they live or what they earn. This amendment to the list will help to support this outcome.”

Seven’s coverage of the Women’s World Cup in Australia, which saw the Matilda’s make it through to the quarter-final, was seen by almost 18.6 million Australians, including more than 14 million on free-to-air.

This updated list has been made before the bids for Australian media rights to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup close next week.