FIFA unveils turbo-charged FIFA+ ahead of World Cup 2022 kick-off

As usual, the FIFA World Cup, which kicks off on Monday in Qatar, has triggered an outpouring of technical innovations from broadcasters and digital platforms. Dedicated 4K channels are in vogue, as are streaming services that offer comprehensive live and on-demand coverage, with interactive, ecommerce and personalised bells & whistles.

Not to be left out, the governing body’s streaming platform FIFA+ has also stepped up to the plate, claiming it is “set to redefine the way in which fans enjoy the FIFA World Cup” as it rolls out its full tournament offering in 11 languages. Throughout the event, FIFA says FIFA+ “will be the official companion experience of Qatar 2022, with a reimagined global FIFA app and web platform, available across select connected devices, becoming the all-in-one destination for FIFA World Cup fans.”

Charlotte Burr

Built to ensure fans have a complete tournament experience, FIFA+ will complement the tournament’s broadcasters – helping fans find their favourite team’s live games through the ‘Where to Watch’ feature and sharing behind-the-scenes and Original content. Now the platform is adding “a host of new, immersive, and engaging features”.

FIFA says FIFA+ will capturing the tournament in full across its channels, with a live blog running non-stop. There will also be comprehensive highlights, with every match recapped within minutes of the final whistle. For those in Qatar, the “FIFA+ Stadium Experience” will allow FIFA+ users to experience the action like never before – with a live augmented reality overlay of stats, heatmaps, insights, camera angles, VAR replays as on TV, and more. Other features include fantasy gaming, a daily magazine show, digital collectibles, a merchandising store, archive and personalisation.

FIFA director of strategy, digital and FIFA+, Charlotte Burr, said: “FIFA+ is set to truly change the game by providing a blueprint for how fans enjoy their World Cup on FIFA’s channels for years to come. It is set to become the official companion experience for the tournament, giving fans around the world a unique and personal experience and reshaping how they enjoy sport’s biggest tournament now and in to the future.”