SBS has announced its match broadcast schedule for the Group Stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, featuring six prime time starts. This June, SBS will offer 25 premium games live, free and in HD on television including the opening match, Semi-Finals, Final, and all Socceroos fixtures. 

Hosted by former Socceroo Captain Craig Foster and The World Game‘s Lucy Zelic, and with exclusive commentary from Martin Tyler, SBS’s coverage will begin with the opening match on Thursday 14 June from 10.30pm (AEST) as hosts Russia face Saudi Arabia, kicking off a huge month of football on SBS. 

The blockbuster first weekend continues with the highly anticipated clash between Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and fierce rival Spain from 3.30am, Saturday 16 June, ahead of coverage of the Socceroos premiere appearance from the family-friendly time of 7pm Saturday night when they play world number seven France before Cup favourites Germany take on Mexico from 12am, Monday 18 June.

SBS’s coverage of the Socceroos’ campaign to progress from Group C under new coach Bert van Marwijk will also see the boys in green and gold face Denmark from 9pm on Thursday 21 June then Peru on Tuesday 26 June from 11pm. Both matches will feature exclusive commentary from David Basheer and former Socceroo Captain Craig Moore and extensive analysis live from Russia.

SBS director of Sport Ken Shipp said: “The FIFA World Cup™ is the absolute pinnacle of football, a sport that truly unites Australia’s diverse communities. We know Aussies love to get behind our sporting heroes and are confident they will join us in supporting the Socceroos, and of course their other national teams, as they take on the best in the world in Russia next month.

“SBS is deeply passionate about football, believing its universal appeal can break down barriers without language. In our 30^th year broadcasting the FIFA World Cup™, Australians can again turn to SBS’s trusted coverage and analysis of the tournament on television, radio, and digital this June and July.”

Throughout the Group Stage, live match coverage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ on SBS will feature at least 19 of the 32 competing nations with more to be covered in the Round of 16 and Finals.

TELEVISION

LIVE MATCH BROADCAST SCHEDULE:

Friday 15 June from 12am*              Russia v Saudi Arabia LIVE            kick-off 1am

Saturday 16 June from 3.30am*      Portugal v Spain LIVE                      kick-off 4am

Saturday 16 June from 7pm*           France v Australia LIVE                   kick-off 8pm

Monday 18 June from 12am*           Germany v Mexico LIVE                  kick-off 1am

Tuesday 19 June from 3.30am*       Tunisia v England LIVE                   kick-off 4am  

Tuesday 19 June from 9.30pm*       Colombia v Japan LIVE                    kick-off 10pm

Wednesday 20 June from 9.30pm*  Portugal v Morocco LIVE                kick-off 10pm

Thursday 21 June from 9pm            Denmark v Australia LIVE               kick-off 10pm

Friday 22 June from 9.30pm*           Brazil v Costa Rica LIVE                  kick-off 10pm

Sunday 24 June from 3.30am*         Germany v Sweden LIVE                 kick-off 4am

Sunday 24 June from 9.30pm*         England v Panama LIVE                  kick-off 10pm

Monday 25 June        TBC    

Tuesday 26 June from 11pm*          Australia v Peru LIVE                       kick-off 12am

Wednesday 27 June TBC – following earlier Group E and F matches

Thursday 28 June     TBC – following earlier Group G and H matches

SBS’s coverage of the Round of 16 and Quarter Finals will be announced throughout the tournament.

Thursday 12 July from 3.30am*       2018 FIFA World Cup™ Semi-Final 1 LIVE            kick-off 4am

Thursday 12 July from 3.30am*       2018 FIFA World Cup™ Semi-Final 2 LIVE            kick-off 4am  

Saturday 14 July from 11pm*          2018 FIFA World Cup™ Playoff for 3^rd LIVE         kick-off 12am

Sunday 15 July from 11pm*             2018 FIFA World Cup™ Final LIVE                         kick-off 1am