RTÉ is to broadcast the full of next year’s FIFA World Cup 2023 from Australia and New Zealand.
The Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team has qualified for a first time and their three games on July 20th, 26th, and 31st, as well as any knock-out games to which they might advance, will be shown live and free to air.
RTÉ showed the last World Cup in France in 2019 in partnership with TG4 to account for potential clashes with other major summer sporting occasions but with Australia and New Zealand games taking place in the morning our time, or early afternoon at the latest, that is not an issue this time around.
RTÉ has successfully secured the broadcast rights through a European Broadcasting Union (EBU) agreement with FIFA covering 28 territories on behalf of 32 EBU member public service broadcasters.
“With the Draw now complete, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is set to be one of the biggest women’s sporting events ever, with the tournament shaping up to be another truly game-changing moment for women’s football and for fans around the world,” said Sarai Berman, FIFA Chief Women’s Football Officer.
“Alongside FIFA’s ongoing commitment to accelerate the growth and development of women’s football, free-to-air broadcasters will play an important role in attracting new audiences and growing the women’s game. We look forward to working with the EBU and bringing the tournament and women’s football to new fans in the region.”
“The EBU and our Members continue to be world leaders in the broadcast and streaming of Women’s Sport,” added EBU Executive Director of Sport Glen Killane. “Our Members are constantly setting the standard and pushing new boundaries; it is something we have proudly driven for many years.”
“This agreement will build on the great legacy of the extraordinary coverage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019™ where EBU members provided record audiences. Next year’s World Cup provides us with an opportunity to once again show that public service media is committed to ensuring that showcasing Women’s Football and women’s sport continue to be central to our mission.”
“Having been there on every step of the journey through qualification, we are delighted to be there for the ultimate destination of a women’s World Cup,” said RTÉ Head of Sport Declan McBennett.
“This team have captured the imagination of generations at home and will no doubt receive a huge Irish backing from the Irish Down Under making the World Cup a thrilling experience.”
“Across radio, television, and online, RTÉ Sport will be there to reflect the endeavours of a very special group of Irish sporting talent and make sure we can all get behind our national team”.
Ireland’s World Cup qualifier against Scotland earlier this month attracted the highest-ever TV audience for women’s soccer with an average audience of 382,000 while RTÉ Player had over 126,000 streams over the course of the qualification campaign.
