FOX Sports 1 Presents FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP PREVIEW

The days leading to the opening match of FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015™ can be counted on one hand, with excitement and anticipation building as the Saturday openers approach. On Friday, June 5, FOX Sports 1 kicks off their coverage with an hour-long primetime preview offering a final in-depth look at the teams, players and news impacting the world’s biggest women’s sports event.

FOX Sports’ state-of-the-art set at Jack Poole Plaza in Vancouver provides the backdrop for FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2015 PREVIEW (7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT). Rob Stone and Kate Abdo host with comprehensive analysis from a formidable panel featuring nine former national team players – Monica Gonzalez, Ariane Hingst, Angela Hucles, Alexi Lalas, Christine Latham, Heather Mitts, Kelly Smith, Leslie Osborne and Eric Wynalda – who combined represented five different countries in top-level international competition (Canada, England, Germany, Mexico and USA). Correspondent Grant Wahl also contributes to the discussion on-set.

FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2015™ PREVIEW looks at all 24 competing teams, breaking down the specific groups, assessing the favorites, identifying where upsets may occur and takes an in-depth look at this tournaments potential break-out stars. In addition, Stone and Abdo lead a discussion addressing FIFA’s on-going legal controversy, the latest developments and the long-term impact on the sport.

In addition to FOX Sports’ robust collection of analysts in Vancouver, the program features a report from Julie Stewart-Binks in Edmonton where the Canadian Women’s National Team opens the tournament on Saturday, June 6 against China PR (6:00 PM ET/3:00 PM PT, FOX Sports 1). Jenny Taft, who is embedded with the U.S. Women’s National Team throughout the tournament, reports from Winnipeg as the American squad prepares for its first Group Stage match versus Australia on June 8 (7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT, FOX Sports 1).

During the hour, viewers are also introduced to the rich history and culture of the six Canadian cities serving as hosts to Women’s World Cup matches – Edmonton, Moncton, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver and Winnipeg – in a feature narrated by co-star of FOX’s smash hit drama EMPIRE, Taraji P. Henson. Also included is a feature highlighting the U.S. Women’s National Team’s quest to win its third Women’s World Cup title, and first since 1999.

FOX Sports plans the most expansive and comprehensive multi-platform coverage ever of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, including an unprecedented 16 matches airing live on FOX broadcast network. FOX Sports televises all 52 games in the expanded tournament from June 6 and July 5, 2015 live on FOX; FOX Sports 1, America’s fastest growing sports network; and FOX Sports 2.

Complementing FOX Sports’ unprecedented live match coverage is studio programming originating from the Jack Poole Plaza set in Vancouver. FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY provides pre-match, halftime, post-match and bridge show coverage, while FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TONIGHT offers the definitive last word on the day’s action. Most matches are preceded by a 60-minute edition of FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TODAY, although there are occasional 30- and 90-minute shows. Besides FOX Sports’ Women’s World Cup-specific programs, ample tournament coverage is planned daily on FOX Sports 1’s signature news programs AMERICA’S PREGAME and FOX SPORTS LIVE.

All games, programs and features are available on tablets and mobile devices via the FOX Sports GO app and online at www.FOXSportsGO.com.