The Matildas are Australia’s national women’s soccer team. They are one of the most successful teams in women’s international soccer, having reached the quarterfinals or better at every FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament since 1995.
With the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup coming up in July-August in Australia and New Zealand, there is extra interest in watching the Matildas play. But with games broadcast across various networks and streaming platforms, it can get confusing knowing where to tune in. This article provides a guide on how and where you can watch the Matildas play in 2023.
How to Watch Matildas World Cup Matches
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be broadcast in Australia by SBS, who hold the rights to all FIFA tournaments held in Australia. SBS will air all Matildas games live on their main SBS TV channel.
SBS will also stream all matches live via their streaming platform SBS On Demand, available on web browsers, smart TVs, mobile apps, Apple TV, Chromecast, Telstra TV and Fetch TV. A free account is needed to access SBS On Demand streams.
So in summary, Matildas World Cup matches can be watched:
- Live on SBS TV
- Streamed live on SBS On Demand
How to Watch Matildas Friendly Matches
Outside of major tournaments, the Matildas play regular friendly and qualification matches throughout the year. Broadcast rights for these games are split across several networks.
Paramount+ is the new home of Matildas matches after signing a landmark deal with Football Australia. All home Matildas matches not already contracted to other broadcasters will stream live on Paramount+.
Many away matches are shown live on Network 10 and streamed on 10 Play. ESPN also televises some Matildas friendlies.
Here’s a summary of where to watch Matildas friendly matches:
Broadcaster | Details |
---|---|
Paramount+ | Live streams of all home friendlies not contracted elsewhere |
Network 10 | Live broadcasts of many away friendlies |
10 Play | Live streams of Network 10’s matches |
ESPN | Selected live broadcasts of high-profile friendlies |
Paramount+
Paramount+ should become the go-to destination for Matildas matches in coming years. Football Australia signed a landmark seven-year deal with Paramount+ for exclusive Australian rights to all Matildas home friendlies not already contracted to other broadcasters.
This will see Paramount+ stream upwards of 20 Matildas matches per year. The deal started in January 2023.
Paramount+ can be subscribed to for $8.99 per month after a free one week trial. It’s available online, iOS, Android, Apple TV and most smart TVs.
Network 10 & 10 Play
Network 10 has broadcast rights to many Matildas away friendlies and qualifiers. These matches are shown live on 10’s main channel and streamed on their 10 Play platform.
10 Play is a free service that works on web browsers, iOS, Android and some smart TVs. Setting up an account improves stream quality.
ESPN
Subscription TV provider ESPN shows some high-profile Matildas friendly matches live, especially against top opponents like USA, Germany and England.
These are only available to those with an active ESPN subscription through Foxtel or Fetch TV. ESPN2 sometimes shows Matildas games.
How to Watch A-League Women Matches
Most Matildas play club soccer in the Australian A-League Women competition. Matches are broadcast on Network 10 and Paramount+.
Network 10
Network 10 broadcasts one live A-League Women’s match free-to-air each Saturday afternoon during the season on their main channel. These matches are also streamed on 10 Play.
Paramount+
Paramount+ live streams every single A-League Women’s match, with replays available on demand. This is included with the regular $8.99 monthly subscription.
Between Network 10’s weekly broadcast and Paramount+’s complete coverage, it’s easy to follow the Matildas’ domestic seasons.
How to Watch W-League Matches
Australia’s national women’s league is the W-League, which runs from November to February each year.
Network 10
Network 10 broadcast one live W-League match each Sunday afternoon on 10 Bold, streamed on 10 Play.
Paramount+
Like with the A-League Women’s, Paramount+ live stream every W-League match and make replays available on demand.
How to Watch Matildas in the NWSL
Many Matildas players compete in America’s National Women’s Soccer League. These matches aren’t always easy to find, but here are some options:
ESPN
ESPN shows one NWSL match per week live on either ESPN2 or ESPNEWS, with reruns on ESPN3. An active ESPN/Foxtel subscription is required.
Paramount+
Select NWSL matches are streamed live on Paramount+ in Australia. Replays are available too.
Twitch
The NWSL streams some matches globally for free on Twitch. Sign up for a free account to watch.
So while not every NWSL game is accessible, it’s still possible to follow the Matildas playing in America.
How to Watch Matildas in the English WSL
Star Matildas like Sam Kerr play in England’s WSL, which isn’t always broadcast in Australia. But there are still ways to watch:
Optus Sport
Optus Sport streams some WSL matches live, along with on demand replays. Access comes with an Optus Sport subscription ($14.99/month).
DAZN YouTube
Select WSL matches are streamed globally on DAZN’s YouTube channel. Subscribe for free alerts.
Club Websites & Apps
Some clubs like Chelsea provide live streams for international fans on their websites or mobile apps.
So while not extensive, coverage options allow Aussies to follow the Matildas in England.
Broadcasters Summary
Here’s a quick summary of where to find the Matildas on Australian TV and streaming:
Broadcaster | Competitions |
---|---|
SBS | FIFA Women’s World Cup |
Paramount+ | Matildas home friendlies, A-League Women, W-League, some NWSL & WSL |
Network 10 | Matildas away friendlies, A-League Women, W-League |
ESPN | Select high-profile Matildas friendlies, some NWSL |
Optus Sport | Select English WSL matches |
DAZN YouTube | Select English WSL matches |
How to Get Alerts for Matildas Matches
With matches spread across various broadcasters, it can be hard keeping track of when the Matildas are playing. A few helpful ways to get alerts include:
- Download the My Football Live App and add the Matildas as your favourite team
- Follow the Matildas, Paramount+ Australia and SBS on Facebook for match alerts in your feed
- Check the match calendar on the Matildas website
- Sign up for Matildas email newsletter updates
- Follow the Matildas on Instagram or Twitter
How to Watch Matildas Matches Without Cable
With the rise of streaming, it’s now easy to watch the Matildas without paying for an expensive cable TV subscription:
- SBS’ FIFA World Cup coverage is 100% free on SBS TV and SBS On Demand
- Paramount+ can be subscribed to without any other packages
- 10 Play is a free streaming platform
- Some NWSL and WSL matches stream for free on Twitch and YouTube
The only cable/satellite required is for ESPN’s minor coverage. Otherwise, streaming options make the Matildas accessible to all soccer fans.
Conclusion
While broadcast rights are fractured, it’s still straightforward to watch the Matildas in Australia if you know where to look.
SBS has the World Cup covered. Paramount+ is becoming the home of Matildas matches. Network 10 provide free broadcasts of home leagues. And soccer fans can supplement with ESPN, Optus Sport, YouTube and Twitch streams.
With mobile apps making the games accessible anywhere, it’s now easier than ever to follow Australia’s hugely successful national women’s soccer team.