Announced today at the official 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia draw at the Kremlin in Moscow, the Socceroos have drawn the second position in Group C and will face a relatively favourable set of opponents in the first stages of the FIFA World Cup in June.
In great news for Australian audiences, the Socceroos opening match is set for a local time kick-off of 1pm*, which converts to prime time in all home markets; 8pm* Sydney, 7.30pm* Adelaide, 6pm* Perth.
SBS will broadcast every Socceroos match of the tournament live, free and in HD for all Australians along with the opening match featuring Russia and Saudi Arabia on June 14 as a part of over 200 hours of World Cup content across SBS television, radio and online throughout June and July next year.
INITIAL BROADCAST SCHEDULE:
FIFA World Cup 2018 Opening Match: Russia V Saudi Arabia
Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow
Friday 15 June, kick-off 1am AEST*
LIVE TO ALL
Group C: France V Australia
Kazan Arena, Kazan
Saturday 16 June, kick-off 8pm AEST*
LIVE TO ALL
Group C: Denmark V Australia
Samara Arena, Samara
Thursday 21 June, kick-off 10pm AEST*
LIVE TO ALL
Group C: Australia V Peru
Fisht Stadium, Sochi
Wednesday 27 June, kick-off 12midnight AEST*
LIVE TO ALL
FULL SBS BROADCAST SCHEDULE TBC
*Times subject to change
Beyond Australia’s group, experts are suggesting all eight groups are relatively even but Group B looks to be one of the most challenging options with Spain, Portugal and Morocco, and Group A featuring hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia would have been just slightly more desirable for our Socceroos.
The official FIFA World Cup App with advanced personalised viewing features will be available for download closer to the tournament, and SBS Radio will broadcast every single match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia live and free in English and in-language.
SBS is the official broadcaster of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.
