FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 is less than a month away (!) and, like its men’s counterpart, many fans enjoy the excitement and passion that the Spanish-language broadcasts bring to the sport (even non Spanish speakers). Telemundo’s most famous voice may be that of Andres “Gooooooool” Cantor, but its roster of female broadcasters that bring fans all the men’s and women’s action year round will be front and center for the network’s coverage of this year’s extravaganza, July 20-August 20.
As the exclusive broadcast home of the WWC en Español, Telemundo this week unveiled its commentary team, with Emmy-nominated sports host Ana Jurka and lead Premier League host Carlota Vizmanos pacing a crew that also includes prominent females in host Veronica Rodriguez, former U.S. Soccer coach Natalia Astrain, well-known soccer host and announcer Daniella Lopez-Guajaro and sports journalist Diana Rincon.
“For us, the Women’s World Cup is more than a premier global sporting event – it is an opportunity to contribute to something bigger, and we’re proud to enhance our coverage with experienced and diverse voices,” said Eli Velazquez, Executive Vice President of Sports, Telemundo. “We will be complementing our team of top sports commentators and journalists with the depth and expertise of former coaches, players, and referees who will provide their unique on-the-pitch perspectives offering our viewers the most thorough analysis throughout the tournament.”
They are key members of the team that features fútbol broadcast stalwarts like Cantor, Emmy-award winning sports journalist Miguel Gurwitz, Telemundo 48’s Carlos Yustis, former Mexican National Team and Chivas player Manuel Sol, two-time Emmy award nominee Sammy Sadovnik, the voice of World Cup 2019’s Final Copan Alvarez and more.
Telemundo’s coverage will also be the first to broadcast the entire Women’s World Cup in Spanish, and the most WWC matches in any language available in the U.S. In addition to the presentation on Telemundo, fans can stream every match in Spanish on Peacock.
The team of experts joining Telemundo’s regular soccer commentators includes:
· Natalia Astrain (Spain/USA | Coach), former U.S. coach, returns as guest analyst for Women’s World Cup joining Cantor’s announce team onsite after making history with the network during the World Cup Qatar 2022 calling Morocco-Portugal alongside head coach of the Costa Rica women’s national football team Amelia Valverde, the first ever Men’s World Cup match called by two women.
· Deyna Castellanos (Venezuela| Forward) rejoins Telemundo Deportes’ commentary team as a guest analyst after contributing to the coverage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019. Castellanos is a forward for Manchester City’s Women’s Super League Club and the Venezuela women’s national team.
· Isabella Echeverri (Colombia | Center back) former soccer player who last played as a center back for the Liga MX Femenil club CF Monterrey and the Colombia women’s national team. Telemundo Deportes welcomes Echeverri to the team for the first time.
· Janelly Farias (Mexico| Center back) is a Mexican soccer player who was part of the Mexican national team during the Women’s World Cup in 2006 and who provided analysis for the Women’s World Cup in 2019 for Telemundo. Farias is also the co-host for NBCU’s new bilingual podcast My New Favorite Futbolista / Mi Mundialista Favorita profiling the most-inspiring FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 stars.
· Jaime Herrera (Mexico | Referee) is recognized for being the first Mexican referee to officiate in the Major League Soccer. During his 19-year career he officiated international tournaments such as Copa Libertadores among others. The retired referee joined Telemundo for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™ and returns this summer to analyze the calls for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 this summer.
· Kenti Robles (Mexico | Right Back) is a Mexican professional footballer who plays as a right back for Spanish Primera División club Real Madrid CF and the Mexico women’s national team.
· Maxi Rodriguez (Argentina | Midfielder) is a former Argentine footballer nicknamed “La Fiera” returns to Telemundo after his successful participation in Qatar. Previously, the legendary midfielder left his mark in Spain playing for Espanyol and Atlético Madrid then spent two years with Liverpool in England, and returned to Newell’s Old Boys where he began and ended his career. Rodríguez represented his country in three World Cups, finishing second in 2014. One of his career highlights occurred in Germany 2006 when he scored the goal that eliminated Mexico during the extra time of the Round of 16 match played in Leipzig.
· Lucila Venegas (Mexico | Referee) is an international football referee from Mexico who became a FIFA listed referee in 2008. Since then, she served as an official at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
