FIFA World Cup 2022: FIFA+ Steps Up With Highlights, In-Venue AR, Digital Collectibles
Offerings are available in 11 languages
In April, FIFA launched its FIFA+ OTT platform, a place where fans of 100 member associations can watch 40,000 live matches a year. This week, with FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 kicking off, the OTT service, via both app and Web, is looking to connect with fans in a big way. Even those in the stadiums will be served content, including VAR replays, overcoming a major frustration point for fans in the stands, who previously would be in the dark about VAR operations.
Looking to connect with as many fans as possible, the operations team at FIFA+ prepped for the World Cup by adding tournament offerings in 11 languages.
“This is a significant moment, as we welcome the entire world to FIFA+ during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar,” says FIFA Director, Strategy, Digital and FIFA+, Charlotte Burr. “FIFA+ is set to truly change the game by providing a new blueprint for how fans enjoy their World Cup on FIFA’s channels for years to come.”
FIFA+ will also complement the tournament’s broadcasters, helping fans find their favorite team’s live games through the Where To Watch feature and sharing behind-the-scenes and original content created throughout.
The completely free platform launched with a slate of original content, including an in-depth World Cup archive with every match ever recorded (more than 2,000 hours of content). There is also extensive live coverage via a live blog running non-stop, capturing the sights, sounds, atmosphere, and energy of the world’s biggest football celebration. The FIFA+ editorial team is on hand to bring photos and video from every match, the FIFA Fan Festival, around Qatar and beyond; the platform will be the source of all official stats and data throughout.
FIFA+ is also FIFA’s official home of highlights, with each and every match recapped within minutes of the final whistle. A version will even be available to watch in sign language.
For fans in Qatar, FIFA+ Stadium Experience will revolutionize how fans engage with the event in front of them, with live augmented-reality overlay of stats, heatmaps, insights, different camera angles, VAR replays as on TV, and much more. The all-new viewing experience is designed specifically to complement and enhance how those on the grounds celebrate and support their team.
All the experiences are underpinned by a personalized experience and rich notifications integration. Fans can register for free, choose their favorite World Cup team, and enjoy a bespoke journey through the FIFA World Cup, with news, highlights, insights and analysis relevant to them specifically. The same login is used across FIFA+ Fantasy, FIFA+ Collect, and a range of other digital FIFA features.
FIFA+ Collect, FIFA+’s official digital collectibles marketplace, will go from strength to strength during the tournament. For example, a $4.99 drop ahead of the tournament offered fans a chance to buy three World Cup highlights (a total of 30 clips are available). A mix of other highlights are available (two of them priced at $1,950 with most in the $50 range).
“FIFA+ is set to become the official companion experience for the tournament,” says Burr, “giving fans around the world a unique and personal experience and reshaping.”