The Seven Network has confirmed that it has acquired the free-to-air broadcasting rights for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which starts on 20 July.

The deal sees Seven deliver every game of the Matildas and live access to an additional 15 key matches including the opener, Quarter Finals, Semi-Finals and Final, via their linear channels and streaming platform, 7plus.

The rights have been sub-licensed from Optus Sport, with the pair developing innovative plans to ensure Australians receive the best coverage of the tournament.

Commenting on the broadcast rights acquisition, Seven’s head of network sport, Lewis Martin, said: “Even has a long and proud history of supporting Australian athletes on the world stage and delivering an exceptional broadcast experience for fans, and we cannot wait to embark on another world-class international event, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.”

“We saw during Seven’s award-winning Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games coverage that the Matildas are one of the most-loved sporting teams in the country, and we are absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to bring our rich story-telling capabilities to this incredible team of athletes.

“The Seven team is world-class when it comes to building the narrative and emotion around big cultural moments. Across the years, we have demonstrated the power of this across major sporting events like the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, Rugby World Cup, Rugby League World Cup and many more.

“We are looking forward to working with Optus Sport, FIFA and Australia’s wonderful athletes to present a fantastic competition in 2023,” he said.

FIFA Women’s World Cup COO of Australia, Jane Fernandez, added: “FIFA are excited to welcome Seven as the Australian free-to-air broadcaster of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.”

“This tournament will truly be a defining moment in Australian sporting history, and the partnership with Seven ensures all fans in Australia will have the chance to see the biggest women’s sporting event in the world.

“Seven’s world-class coverage will bring women’s football in front of new and wide-ranging audiences and will play an integral role in making the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ accessible to every Australian.

“We are seeing unprecedented growth in women’s football globally and look forward to working with Seven as we go Beyond Greatness to deliver the biggest and best FIFA Women’s World Cup,” she said.

The news comes after FIFA rejected bids for the World Cup rights, which would’ve covered Italy, Germany, France, Spain and the UK.