Ways to Watch: World Cup™ Edition
We’ve waited four years for this….let’s KICK off the 2018 FIFA World Cup™!
It’s been four years since we saw Germany defeat Argentina in a nail-biting, dramatic final and needless to say, with all 64 games available live, we are ready for the 2018 FIFA World CupTM to finally KICK off!
Didn’t make the trip to Russia? No sweat, DIRECTV 4K customers can still feel like they are there in person with every game live from FOX and FS1 in stunning, lifelike 4K High Dynamic Range [HDR]* for the first time ever in FIFA World CupTM history!
With HDR, you’ll see greater clarity with every kick, it adds better contrast, with wide color gamut that makes the colors on your TV more closely match what you see in real life. The 10-bit color depth shows a smoother gradation in color. And at 60 frames per second, motion will be more fluid, adding lifelike drama and excitement to every goal!
DIRECTV’s 4K HDR coverage of all 64 games can be found on the fully dedicated 4K channels, 105 and 106 with the majority of the FOX and FS1 matches hosted on Channel 105. For a full schedule of game airdates and times, go to DIRECTV’s 4K events page, www.directv.com/4k.
All soccer, all the time!
For the first time ever in English-language television history, 38 matches will air live on U.S. broadcast television via FOX, that’s more than the last four FIFA World Cups™ combined. FS1 will host the remaining 26 games, for a full schedule of games in English click here.
In addition to match coverage, FOX Sports will offer extensive studio programming, including pregame, postgame and late night shows, from its set in Russia’s iconic Red Square.
We don’t want any of our subscribers to miss the first kick, so from Thursday, June 14 through Sunday, June 17 DIRECTV subscribers who do not currently receive FS1 can enjoy a 4-day free preview of marquee FS1 content including 6 FIFA World Cup matches. Any DIRECTV subscriber, regardless of video package subscription, can simply tune-in to FS1 during this time to enjoy all of the action!
Need Even More for Your Soccer Thing!
DIRECTV will also feature an Experience featuring the full game schedule with live scores and upcoming matches. The Experience can also take viewers directly to the live channel of their desired match or to set a recording for a future match. The Knockout Rounds feature will showcase the round of 16 teams through the Finals in a bracket format, which is representative of the single elimination knockout rounds portion of the tournament. Additionally, FS1 will have an on screen prompt feature where customers can push the red button on the remote for easy access to these interactive features.
Games on-the-go?
DIRECTV NOW customers will be able to watch games both at home and on the go with locals** and FS1 available starting in the “Live a Little” package.
DIRECTV subscribers in most U.S. markets can access live streams of every FIFA World Cup™ match on FOX and FS1 via the DIRECTV App***, and all DIRECTV and DIRECTV NOW subscribers can access all the matches, VOD replays, bonus feeds, and highlights in the FIFA World Cup™ Hub via the FOX Sports app or FOXSports.com using login credentials.****
The FOX Sports VR app, available to iOS and Android users, will also provide the most immersive 360-degree FIFA World Cup™ viewing experience in a custom suite. The social virtual reality offering lets users create their own avatar, and do not need a headset to interact. Watch the game from various angles, including a VIP stadium suite, and two on-the-field positions. The app also includes game rosters, schedules, and matchup stats easily available within the experience.
*4K: Limited programming available. 4K HDR compatible equip., min. programming and prof. installation req’d. If 4K TV does not support HDR, content will be viewable in standard 4K. Available games may vary based on programming package subscription. Other conditions apply.
**May need to be in DIRECTV NOW billing region in order to view.
***DIRECTV App: Compatible device and data connection required. Content/channels/functionality varies by TV package, viewing location and device. Data charges may apply.
****FOX Sports and FOX Sports GO apps are available on iOS and Android, and on connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, FireTV, Roku, Chromecast and Xbox One.
