Mel McLaughlin is making the most of a deserved break at the FIFA World Cup, with the much-loved Seven presenter travelling to North America only months after major surgery for lung cancer.
The 46-year-old has been in the United States and Canada supporting the Socceroos, sharing glimpses from inside Australia’s camp and alongside the Green and Gold Army as the national team progressed to the knockout rounds.
Those close to McLaughlin say the trip is a holiday rather than a work commitment, allowing the lifelong football devotee to fully enjoy the tournament after a difficult stretch dominated by treatment and recovery.
Her time away follows a stage two lung cancer diagnosis in December 2025, after which she had surgery to remove a malignant tumour and half of one lung.
McLaughlin remained on air throughout Australia’s summer of cricket before stepping back from television for the operation, later returning to Seven News’ sports desk in April.
On her return to the broadcast, McLaughlin expressed her gratitude to viewers for the support she had received.
Mel McLaughlin has been supporting the Socceroos in North America following lung cancer surgery
The Seven presenter underwent surgery to remove half of one lung after her December diagnosis
McLaughlin, pictured with Socceroos star Nestory Irankunda, has shared moments from inside Australia’s World Cup camp during her recovery
‘It’s been truly overwhelming, and it’s appreciated, so thanks, everyone,’ she said.
She later reflected on the milestone in an emotional Instagram post.
‘First day back,’ she wrote.
‘Remembered how to read and didn’t run out of breath – I’ll take that for now.
‘My wonderful, beautiful, dysfunctional work family held my hand and dealt with my nerves and anxiety. Poor kids having to put up with me!
‘It’s a start.
‘Extremely overwhelmed and touched by all of the messages, and sharing of so many of your own stories, thank you doesn’t quite seem enough, but it’s very much appreciated.’
Earlier this month, McLaughlin also revealed the lasting impact of her surgery through a simple but powerful update to her Instagram biography.
McLaughlin said she was overwhelmed by support after returning to the Seven News desk
The presenter, pictured with Australian goalkeeper Pat Beach, said her cancer diagnosis was ‘very traumatic’ after losing her sister Tara to lung cancer
The lifelong football fan, pictured with Australian coach Tony Popovic, is enjoying the Socceroos’ run after months focused on treatment and recovery
‘It’s a game of two halves. Credit to the boys. 1.5 lungs,’ her bio reads.
She also posted an emotional reaction after watching Australia stun Turkey during the group stage.
‘It’s too much,’ she wrote.
McLaughlin first revealed her diagnosis during an interview with colleague Mark Ferguson, explaining she had undergone life-changing surgery.
‘I was diagnosed with lung cancer in December. So that’s led to surgery. I’ve had half my lung cut out,’ she said.
‘It’s very traumatic. It’s very triggering. It’s a lot of emotions. And also you don’t want to worry anyone.’
The diagnosis carried an especially painful significance for McLaughlin, whose older sister Tara died from lung cancer in 2015 at the age of 39.
Neither woman was a smoker, with doctors believing there may be a genetic link after the sisters developed the disease a decade apart.
Following her sister’s death, McLaughlin became an ambassador for Lung Foundation Australia.
She has used her own diagnosis to encourage Australians, particularly non-smokers, to pay attention to changes in their health and seek medical advice if something does not feel right.
