Mel McLaughlin has embraced a well-earned break at the FIFA World Cup after enduring one of the toughest periods of her life, with the popular Seven presenter travelling to North America just months after undergoing major lung cancer surgery.
The 46-year-old has been cheering on the Socceroos in the United States and Canada, sharing moments from Australia’s camp and with the Green and Gold Army as the team reached the knockout stages.
Friends say the trip is a personal holiday rather than a work assignment, giving the lifelong football fan the chance to immerse herself in the tournament after months focused on treatment and recovery.
The getaway comes after McLaughlin was diagnosed with stage two lung cancer in December 2025 and underwent surgery to remove a malignant tumour and half of one of her lungs.
She continued working through Australia’s summer of cricket before taking time away from television to undergo the operation, only returning to the Seven News sports desk in April.
Speaking during her return to air, McLaughlin thanked viewers for their support.
Mel McLaughlin has been cheering on the Socceroos in North America after undergoing lung cancer surgery
The Seven presenter had half of one lung removed following her diagnosis in December
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.
