Univision Unveils Plans for Extensive World Cup Coverage

MIAMI: Univision Communications is slated to unite all its platforms and media properties around the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, providing coverage that will include live broadcasts of 56 matches for digital and television screens, among other plans.

The sporting event will take place from June 12 to July 13. On the broadcast side, the Univision network will air the games live, narrated by a team of experts and commentators including Enrique Bermudez, Félix Fernández, Jesús Bracamontes and Luis Omar Tapia. Those matches will also air simultaneously on Univision Deportes Network (UDN). Broadcast channel UniMás and Spanish-language cable network Galavisión will air eight live games and special programming. Galavisión will also feature the best game of the day in prime time, in an hour-long format.

The UDN sports channel will devote all of its programming to the tournament, starting on June 9. Its lineup will include new morning and evening shows dedicated entirely to the World Cup, along with special editions of the channel’s daily programs broadcast live from Rio de Janeiro. It will also feature original programming for 17 consecutive hours a day, from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. All live coverage will be done on UDN’s three sets, located in Brazil.

On the digital front, Univision Deportes will offer a new version of its app. Soccer fans can use the app to view live streams of all the games on their computers, smartphones and tablets, as well as repeats of favorite plays. It will also offer custom alerts, original and exclusive live content, the latest information on favorite teams, game times and free Twitter and Facebook connection. Additionally, the channel’s website will host more complete and updated content on the championship.

“We couldn’t be more excited about our World Cup coverage and the incredible access it will provide to millions of soccer fanatics in the U.S., allowing them to not only watch every game live on any platform they choose but also get a first-hand, behind-the-scenes look inside the lively atmosphere and excitement unfolding in one of the world’s most soccer-loving countries,” said Juan Carlos Rodríguez, the president of Univision Deportes. “With three dedicated studios in Brazil, a Univision Deportes team of over 150 media professionals on the ground, including world-renowned soccer experts and some of Spanish-language TV’s most popular personalities, plus the use of today’s most sophisticated broadcasting technology such as Augmented Reality graphics, multi-touch screens and many other features, no one else will cover the World Cup like Univision Deportes—the undisputed home of World Cup action in America.”