SBS unveil world-class FIFA World Cup 2026™ presentation team

Harry Kewell and Lydia Williams join Australia’s home of the world game for the biggest FIFA World Cup™ in history.

SBS Broadcasting Team_standing1.jpg

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ kicks off on June 12 (AEST) running until July 20, with all 104 games live, free and exclusive across SBS, SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand.

In 100 days, the biggest sporting event on the planet begins. The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will span 104 matches, across 16 cities in three countries, marking the largest tournament in the competition’s history.

As anticipation builds, SBS today reveals the world-class broadcast line-up that will guide Australians through every defining moment.

Leading the coverage are reputable football presenters Niav Owens and Claudio Fabiano, hosting from SBS’s Sydney studios.

Both bring extensive football credentials and experience across the game’s biggest international tournaments, making them two of the most credible voices in Australian football broadcasting.

Together, they anchor a team built on experience at the highest level of the global game.

Joining them in studio are two of Australia’s most accomplished footballers.

Harry Kewell, one of the finest Socceroos of his era, brings rare insight shaped on football’s biggest stages.

A veteran of multiple FIFA World Cups™ and a Premier League standout with Leeds United and Liverpool, Kewell understands what it takes to perform with a nation watching. His analysis is grounded in decades competing against the world’s best.

“The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle. There’s nothing else like it in football,” Kewell said.

“I’ve experienced the intensity and pride of representing Australia on that stage, and it stays with you forever. With 100 days to go, you can already feel the anticipation building.

"This tournament will be bigger than anything we’ve seen before, and I’m looking forward to bringing Australians inside what it really takes to perform when the whole world is watching.

"When Australians think FIFA World Cup, they think SBS and it’s incredibly special to be part of that tradition as the tournament returns.”

Lydia Williams, a trailblazer of Australian football and one of the most respected goalkeepers of her era, adds depth and authority to SBS’s coverage.

A Matildas mainstay for nearly two decades, Williams represented Australia at multiple FIFA Women’s World Cups™ and Olympic Games, witnessing first-hand the global rise of the women’s game. Her perspective combines elite tournament experience with leadership at the highest level of Australian sport.

“Playing at a World Cup changes you. At a World Cup, you’re not just playing for your team, you’re playing for everyone watching back home," Williams said.

“It’s a moment when the whole country comes together, connected by the game. With 100 days to go, the excitement is real, and I’m thrilled to help Australians experience every moment.

"There’s something powerful about watching the FIFA World Cup together, and SBS has been at the heart of that shared experience for generations.”

Leading commentary for every Socceroos match, David Basheer returns with more than 35 years behind the microphone and nine FIFA World Cups across men’s and women’s tournaments. Few voices in Australian football broadcasting carry comparable tournament experience or connection to the national team.

Together, SBS’s team unites World Cup veterans, elite former internationals and contemporary football voices, with more special guests to be announced, to deliver sharp analysis, cultural insight and deep knowledge of the global game.

Ken Shipp, SBS’s Director of Sport said: “Reaching 100 days to go marks a major milestone in the global sporting calendar, The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the biggest tournament the game has ever seen, and SBS is proud to bring every match live and free to Australians."

"Our broadcast team combines World Cup experience, elite playing careers and deep football knowledge. Together, they will guide the nation through every moment that matters.”

As the exclusive Australian broadcaster of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, SBS will deliver more than 550 hours of coverage, including every match live in HD, full replays, mini-matches and highlights.

Australians can also follow the Socceroos’ campaign with exclusive content and in-depth analysis. David Basheer will also host a daily SBS On Demand vodcast, dedicated entirely to the Socceroos, running every day they remain in the tournament.

On SBS On Demand, the dedicated FIFA World Cup 2026™ Hub will serve as the central destination for live streaming, catch-up replays / mini matches / extended highlights, plus classic matches and more.

Complementing the tournament coverage is FIFA+, a dedicated FAST channel featuring around-the-clock global football content from both the men’s and women’s game. The SBS Sport website will feature a special FIFA World Cup 2026™ takeover, including an interactive match centre, updated broadcast information, opinion, match highlights / other short-form video, and promotion of our SBS News / SBS On Demand offerings.

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ kicks off on June 12 (AEST) - with the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa, kicking off at 5am (AEST) - and will be an exclusive broadcast on SBS in Australia.

All 104 games from the United States, Canada and Mexico will be shown live and free, with games also shown live on SBS VICELAND.


Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service. Read more about Sport

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5 min read

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By SBS Sport

Source: SBS



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