Zappsport Live WK Voetbal: Animated Broadcasts and Highlights for the FIFA World Cup 2026
Image: NPO Zapp
Zappsport Live WK Voetbal, produced by AVROTROS as part of NPO programming, will present fully animated live alternate broadcasts of selected Netherlands matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026, including the Netherlands vs. Japan on 14 June and the Netherlands vs. Sweden on 20 June, alongside animated highlights.
Beyond Sports will provide the technology and production capabilities required for these animated broadcasts and highlights content.
Within this setup, live player and ball tracking data, supplied by Hawk-Eye Innovations, will be converted in real time into digital avatars in a virtual NPO World Cup environment. Broadcast elements such as virtual camera operation, virtual commentator technology, replay systems, and additional programmed segments are integrated into this environment as part of the animated output. This results in a parallel version of the match that reflects the on-pitch action as it happens. The system includes data processing, visualization technology, creative asset development, and production tooling used to generate and deliver the animated output.
Image: NPO Zapp
On-screen talent, including Britt Dekker, Joshua Alagbe and Appie Aurag, will also appear within the broadcasts as digital avatars, contributing editorial segments and match-related content, alongside live commentary provided by Rob Janssen and Evert ten Napel.
The project will be distributed via NPO Start as part of Zappsport programming, where the animated content will be made available alongside standard coverage.
More information is available via the full press release:
