2018 FIFA World Cup: guide

SBS recently announced its match broadcast schedule for the Group Stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, featuring six prime time starts.

SBS will offer 25 premium games Live and in HD including the opening match, Semi-Finals, Final, and all Socceroos fixtures.

Hosted by The World Game‘s Craig Foster and Lucy Zelic, and with exclusive commentary from Martin Tyler, SBS’s coverage will begin with the opening match between Russia & Saudi Arabia.

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 30th 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.”

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.

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.

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 emi-Final 2 Live kick-off 4am
Saturday 14 July from 11pm* 2018 FIFA World Cup Playoff for 3rd Live kick-off 12am
Sunday 15 July from 11pm* 2018 FIFA World Cup Final Live kick-off 1am

*All times are AEST and are subject to change.