Women’s World Cup coming to free-to-air Irish TV this summer

Ireland came close to qualifying for the tournament before home defeats to Norway and The Netherlands softened our collective cough.

The Women's World Cup is coming to Irish TV this summer, and on two free-to-air broadcasters. Last summer's World Cup in Russia enthralled the Irish nation, despite our non-involvement, as France defeated Croatia and England overcame their dread of penalties. This summer, it is the turn of the planet's best female footballers to showcase their skills in pursuit of the World Cup. RTÉ and TG4 have jointly announced they have reached agreement with FIFA for live coverage of every game in the World Cup, in France, this summer. The release reads:

'Beginning on Friday, June 7 with the opening ceremony and the Group A meeting of hosts France and Korea, RTÉ and TG4 will share coverage throughout the duration of the tournament with all games free-to-air for Irish viewers. 'RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player will broadcast 23 matches including three of the quarter-finals, one semi-final and the final on Sunday, July 7.  'TG4 will broadcast 29 matches in total including the opening match, one quarter-final, one semi final, the match for third place and highlights of the final.'

Here are the following teams - listed from heavy favourites (reigning champs USA) all the way down to outsiders - that will be taking part:

• USA
• France
• Germany
• England
• Japan
• Netherlands
• Sweden
• Australia
• Brazil
• Canada
• Spain
• Norway
• Italy
• China
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• Scotland
• Argentina
• Chile
• Nigeria
• Cameroon
• South Africa
• Jamaica
• Thailand

As the announcement was confirmed, Rónán Ó Coisdealbha, TG4's Head of Sport said, "We have been a proactive supporter of Women’s Sport for many years. This new collaboration is another step in the right direction and ties in well with the very important 20x20 campaign. It is also a great example of how public service media outlets can collaborate to bring the best of television content, free to air, to audiences." Declan McBennett, RTÉ Group Head of Sport, added: “It is particularly fitting to be making this announcement exactly six months on from the launch of the 20 x 20 initiative to create a cultural shift in our perception of girls and women in sport."