The next World Cup is just over 200 days away — and for publishers, broadcasters, and technology companies, that means the clock is ticking.
This tournament is projected to be the most-watched World Cup in history, with global audiences expected to exceed five billion cumulative viewers. But perhaps the biggest story is its growing footprint in North America, where record attendance, surging fan interest, and expanded media coverage are converging to make this summer’s event a landmark moment for the sport.
The opportunity is enormous — but only for those who start preparing now.
From real-time coverage to immersive storytelling and data-driven engagement, early planning will determine who leads the conversation when the first match kicks off.
So, what steps should you take today to ensure you’re ready to capture the world’s most significant sporting moment?
Start by defining your editorial and engagement goals.
Consider the visual experience too.
Publishers might want to layer statistics into interactive match centers; broadcasters may seek real-time feeds to power on-screen graphics; tech platforms could build dynamic widgets that keep fans connected across devices.
Mapping this vision early gives you clarity on what you’ll need — from technology to talent.
Once you have a plan, take stock of your current capabilities.
For instance, a broadcaster might already have a strong highlights workflow but lacks player-tracking visuals. A publisher might have an engaging pre-match coverage plan but needs richer in-game experiences. Knowing your current assets helps define what’s missing.
Next, look at what’s not working — or what’s missing entirely.
For example, North American fans engage with soccer differently—they want context. Real-time data is excellent, but data that tells a story is better. Identifying these gaps now ensures you’re not rushing during the tournament itself.
This is where choosing the right vendor matters most. More data isn’t necessarily better — the key is getting the correct data. You’ll want a partner who not only provides accurate, fast, and flexible data feeds but also supports custom integrations, visuals, and scalability.
Think beyond the stats. Will your vendor help deliver player imagery, live graphics, or team data packages? Can they adjust quickly when schedules shift or lineups change?
A flexible, trusted data partner ensures that when the world’s attention is on the field, your coverage stays ahead of the action.
With the right tools and data in place, begin building your experience — whether it’s a live match center, an in-app stats feature, or an on-screen data visualization layer.
Integration takes time. Working early with your chosen vendor makes it easier to test data flows, refine presentation layers, and align your creative and technical teams.
The earlier you start, the more seamless your World Cup coverage will be.
Before the tournament begins, use upcoming soccer fixtures — from domestic leagues to international friendlies — to test your setup.
This real-world rehearsal will reveal technical issues, editorial challenges, or gaps in your data workflow. It also gives your team a chance to perfect the look and feel of your coverage before the global spotlight hits.
When the first whistle blows, execution becomes everything.
Working with a trusted, proven partner ensures your feeds are stable, your visuals load instantly, and your data is accurate every second of play.
In a live environment where milliseconds matter, that reliability builds both audience trust and brand credibility.
The World Cup may be the headline, but the momentum shouldn’t stop there.
The strategies, tools, and partnerships you build now can power year-round engagement — from international friendlies to domestic leagues and women’s competitions.
By extending your coverage approach, you’ll keep fans connected long after the trophy is lifted.
The countdown to kickoff has already begun.
Whether you’re a publisher, broadcaster, or tech company, your preparation now will define your World Cup success.
From planning and testing to execution and beyond, Sportradar is here to support you at every stage — with data, insights, and expertise built from decades in the global game.
Reach out today to start building your World Cup strategy with confidence.
