Next time, Fox Sports will be the English-language rights-holder in the U.S. This time, it’s providing plenty of coverage and a number of its executives will be scouting out the 2014 FIFA World Cup on the ground in Brazil.
Fox Sports vice president of production Jason Wormser said the programmer will deploy an array of analysts and soccer journalists, whose reports will be found on preview show America’s Pregame, news program and Fox Sports Live, as well as digital outlets, notably FoxSoccer.com.
The contingent will be led by Fox Sports’ soccer contributor and Sports Illustrated senior columnist Grant Wahl who heads to Brazil to report live for both shows from team USA’s base, and Fox Sports reporter Geoff Schreeves, who will be principally embedded within the England camp.
Daily studio coverage includes opinions from U.S. Soccer Hall of Famers Eric Wynalda and Cobi Jones both of whom played in a record three World Cups for Sam’s Amry and were part of the 1994 U.S. squad that lifted the sport’s profile in the States. Former England international Warren Barton and former Dutch international Mario Melchiot will also provide analysis throughout the month-long tournament.
FoxSoccer.com has also assembled a full team of writers on the ground, with Leander Schaerlaeckens embedded with the U.S. men’s national team and Amy Lawrence, Patrick Barclay, Jonathan Wilson and Jamie Trecker all furnishing coverage assists.
The game plan calls for FoxSoccer.com to present exclusive daily web hits, along with statistical analysis and real-time commentary via MatchTrax across smartphones, tablets and computers. The Fox Sports GO app live streams all World Cup coverage on America’s Pregame and Fox Sports Live.
Additionally, Fox Sports will draw from its vast array of assets with the latest updates from Fox Sports Brasil, Sky Sports Germany, Sky Sports Italia and Sky Sports Japan. Viewers can follow on social media with @FOXSoccer, @FOXSoccerTrax, @AmericasPregame and @FOXSportsLive for match commentary and up-to-the-minute reporting.
Although the World Cup is front and center, Wormser points out it’s not the only game in town during a very busy June, which includes tennis’ Grand Slams French Open and Wimbledon, Major League Baseball and the College World Series, the U.S. Open Golf Championship, the NHL’s Stanley Cup Final and The NBA Finals.
“It’s a crazy, busy month,” said Wormser. “But the World Cup certainly will be an integral part of Fox Sports coverage in June and into July.”
