Canal+ has unveiled its comprehensive coverage plan for the 2019 Women’s World Cup, which takes place in France from June 7 to July 7. The pay-TV broadcaster aims to provide an immersive experience for subscribers, drawing on its experience with Division 1 and other major football competitions.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Canal+ executives and partners presented the broadcast strategy. Gérald-Brice Viret, Director of Channels and Programs at Canal+ Group, highlighted the network’s commitment: “We are extremely happy to be part of this historic chapter with the FFF. Subscribers can follow the entire World Cup with us. Our news programs, Late Night, Canal Football Club, commentators, and consultants will provide extensive coverage.” Viret emphasized the technical quality, noting that 52 matches will be broadcast in 4K and that Canal+ is the only channel offering complete coverage of the tournament.
Thierry Cheleman, Group Sports Director, reflected on Canal+’s long-standing relationship with women’s football in France. “Our story with the French women’s team started in 2009, and we quickly recognized the potential to build a success story around the team,” he said. Cheleman also highlighted the growing popularity of women’s football, citing strong ratings for D1 matches and high ticket sales for the World Cup, confirming its potential as a major sporting event.
Brigitte Henriques, Vice-President of the French Football Federation (FFF), emphasized the societal significance of hosting the tournament. “Since the bid in 2014, we’ve worked to ensure the World Cup impacts all of France. This isn’t just a sporting event; it’s a moment to promote balance between men and women, to advance gender equality, and to develop women’s sport,” she explained.
Didier Lahaye, Deputy Director of Sports at Canal+, detailed the extensive broadcast schedule: “We will cover all 52 matches live, providing 130 hours of content over 25 days. There will be 27 matches on Canal+ and 25 on Canal+ Sport. Additional programming includes documentaries like ‘Les Bleues’ on May 26 and ‘Lionesses’ on June 9, which explore the lives of young female players in France.”
Hervé Mathoux, presenter of Canal Football Club, stressed the appeal and authenticity of women’s football: “People are drawn to the sincerity and quality of women’s football, which is sometimes missing in men’s competitions. This World Cup will showcase high performance and help forge a strong connection between the French team and the country.”
In summary, Canal+’s coverage will combine technical excellence, expert commentary, documentaries, and broad-audience programming to offer a complete and immersive experience. Alongside sporting performance, the tournament is presented as a cultural and societal milestone, celebrating women’s football while promoting gender equality and the development of the sport in France.
