This is not science fiction of Dr. “who” doing time travels, it is present day reality. The FIFA world cup 2018 has started in Russia with the whole world glued to screens to watch live matches. For those who are unable to travel to Russia, FIFA is experimenting transmission of its world cup matches to Virtual Reality (VR) headsets through broadcasters like the BBC Sports, FOX Sports and Telemundo.
With an average viewing audience of 3.5 billion, the FIFA World Cup is by far the most popular sporting event in the world, capturing the attention of different countries and cultures world over, even beating the Olympics. In the last world cup, FIFA made about $5.7 Billion just in one month.
This year, major networks have made it easier by extending the world cup coverage to virtual live streaming. So you have a lot of options to choose from. In virtual live streaming, viewers have the gaming using their virtual reality (VR) headsets. When you put on the headset, you’ll be immersed in the stadium environment of the actual football match as a spectator. You can take up a position in the stadium as a spectator. You can sit close to the real goal post to see how Ronaldo scores his goals and be part of a large stadium crowd. Isn’t it fun? But please don’t run into the field when Ronaldo scores, he won’t see you. Below are the schedules for the transmission.
OCULUS VENUES
Chill with friends in Facebook’s VR social space as you cheer on your home team from the comfort of an immersive environment complete with the lights, sounds and action of the real thing. Chat about your favourite moments while you catch free live streams of selected FIFA World Cup matches thanks to FOX Sports using your Oculus Go or Gear VR headsets.
Here’s the live US event schedule of the available matches:
- June 17:2018 FIFA World Cup™ (Germany vs. Mexico) from FOX Sports – 8:00 am PT
- June 20:2018 FIFA World Cup™ (Portugal vs. Morocco) from FOX Sports – 5:00 am PT
- June 22:2018 FIFA World Cup™ (Brazil vs. Costa Rica) from FOX Sports – 5:00 am PT
- June 24:2018 FIFA World Cup™ (England vs. Panama) from FOX Sports – 5:00 am PT
Oculus Venues is available free via the Oculus Go and Gear VR.
BBC SPORT
The BBC Sport VR 2018 FIFA World Cup app will be streaming 33 games from the BBC network along with commentary from Match of the Day, match highlights in VR, featured content in 360-degree video, and a live stats dashboard displaying real-time match information.
UK users will enjoy the comprehensive coverage in their own private hospitality box as they soak in every bit of action from England’s Group G games against Tunisia and Panama, to the final from Moscow.
BBC Sport VR – FIFA World Cup 2018 app is available free on iOS, Android, the Oculus Go, Gear VR, and Playstation VR.
Telemundo Deportes VR
The United States’ most popular American Spanish network is offering 180-degree live VR coverage of all 64 matches in what may very well be the most ambitious VR coverage of the tournament yet. Not only that, but 360-degree video of key goals and other memorable highlights will be available as well.
Telemundo Deportes VR is available free for the Gear VR. Of course, you’ll need authentication from your TV provider in order to enjoy all the excitement.
