Some matches of the North and Central America World Cup, which kicks off in June this year, will be available to watch on the video-sharing platform YouTube.
YouTube said on the 17th that it was selected as the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) "official preferred platform" for this World Cup.
Accordingly, the tournament's official media partners (broadcast rights holders) will, for the first time in the event's history, be able to livestream the opening 10 minutes of every match in real time on their own YouTube channels. Some matches can also be streamed in full.
Broadcast rights holders can also produce content and monetize it using all video formats, including Highlight, behind-the-scenes footage, short videos called "Shorts," and video on demand (VOD).
FIFA will also release a "digital archive" featuring past World Cup match footage and historic moments on its official YouTube channel as part of this collaboration.
Major YouTube creators will be granted access to report inside and outside stadiums, enabling them to produce content such as reaction videos, tactical analysis, and on-site behind-the-scenes coverage.
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström said, "It will be an opportunity to engage with fans around the world in ways not experienced before," adding, "Cooperation with YouTube will further cement our ambition to maximize the tournament's impact amid a rapidly changing media landscape."
Justin Connelly, YouTube's vice president and global head of media and sports, said, "This partnership will usher the next generation of fans into the world of the World Cup while proving YouTube's power to connect the world at key moments."
The North and Central America World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.