ITV have announced their broadcast team for 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with Laura Woods leading their coverage.
This tournament marks the first time that ITV will broadcast a FIFA Women’s World Cup edition, with their host of England’s matches, Laura Woods set to lead their broadcast team as the main presenter.
Seema Jaswal and Michelle Owen will also host selected matches across the tournament, with Woods set to host ITV’s big fixtures which includes Republic of Ireland’s opening Group B fixtures against Australia and Canada plus England’s clashes against Haiti and China.
ITV have also confirmed an all-female punditry line-up headed up by injured England player, Fran Kirby who will be joined by ex Lionesses; Eni Aluko, Karen Carney, Siobhan Chamberlain and Jill Scott.
Former Leeds United player, Lucy Ward and Chelsea manager, Emma Hayes will also feature alongside ex Republic of Ireland goalkeeper, Emma Byrne, whilst Scotland’s Jen Beattier and Spain’s Vicky Losada complete their line-up.
ITV’s regular lead commentator of England matches, Seb Hutchinson will head up the commentary team with Sam Matterface, Pien Meulensteen and Tom Gayle also set to commentate on various fixtures.
Katie Shanahan will be ITV’s roving reporter across the tournament.
ITV’s Director of Sport, Niall Sloane said that he is “delighted” with the team assembled to provide “comprehensive coverage” of their first Women’s World Cup across ITV and ITVX, with majority of fixtures set to air on ITV1 aside from a minority which will be broadcast on ITV4.
Explaining the decision behind their line-up, Sloane added: “Viewers are at the heart of our coverage and our team will provide expertise, fantastic insight and the very best analysis of the action at what, with the popularity of women’s football continuing to grow, promises to be the biggest tournament yet.”
ITV will upload highlights of every match across the tournament onto ITVX, especially in light of several group matches being held overnight in the UK due to time difference to tournament hosts – Australia and New Zealand.
The tournament begins on 20 July with Australia’s opening Group B match against Ireland set to be ITV’s first live match, which kicks off at 11am BST that day after New Zealand’s tournament opener against Norway live on BBC1 at 8am.
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