FIFA Women's World Cup matches played by the Matildas will be offered first to free-to-air TV, the Australian Government has ruled ©Getty Images

Future FIFA Women’s World Cup matches played by the Australia women’s football team will be offered first to free-for-air broadcasters as part of the Federal Government’s "anti-siphoning" scheme.

The Matildas’ semi-final against England in last month’s Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand was the country’s most-watched TV programme since the current audience measurement system began in 2001, as reported by ABC.

OzTam data showed the match attracted a national average audience of 7.13 million viewers, with a peak total of 11.15 million viewers.

The anti-siphoning scheme is designed to prevent subscription television from gaining the rights to broadcast an event before free-to-air television has a chance to bid.

The list has been amended to include future matches played in the FIFA World Cup men's tournament.

For both World Cups the list now includes every match involving the senior Australian team, the tournament final and qualifying matches involving the senior Australian team that are played at home.

The FIFA Women's World Cup semi-final between Australia and England was the country’s most-watched TV programme since the current audience measurement system began in 2001 ©Getty Images
The FIFA Women's World Cup semi-final between Australia and England was the country’s most-watched TV programme since the current audience measurement system began in 2001 ©Getty Images

In a statement, the Federal Government said these additions would "make it more likely that Australians will be able to watch the Matildas for free in 2027 and in future FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments."

Michelle Rowland, Minister for Communications, said the inclusion of women's football in the list recognises the recent success of the national team.

"The Matildas' incredible performance in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup brought us together as a nation and will be talked about for years to come - we all shared in the excitement as the team progressed from stage to stage," she said.

"They've inspired a whole new generation of Australian kids to take up soccer, boosting grassroots sports participation, while setting a number of viewership records as Australians tuned in and cheered our team on.

"Every Australian deserves the chance to enjoy live and free coverage of these events, no matter where they live or what they earn."

The Matildas' quarter-final win over France in the World Cup recorded an average audience of 4.17 million.

The viewership for their quarter and semi-finals surpassed the audience for any Australian Football League or National Rugby League grand final, as well as any State of Origin match.

The amendments to the anti-siphoning list will take effect tomorrow, four days before bids for Australian media rights to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup close.