Meta unveils a World Cup 2026 feature suite across Threads, Instagram, Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp to boost football content and real-time engagement.

Instagram surfaces real-time content with a dedicated destination for Reels, Stories, and posts from broadcasters, teams, and fans, and adds a Goal! AI-powered voice effect for DMs as part of the World Cup hub.

Instagram launches a World Cup hub featuring curated Reels and Stories from broadcasters, teams, and creators, enhanced by an AI-powered messaging experience and Goal! voice animations.

Meta leadership positions the company as central to football culture during the tournament, aiming to be the hub for fans.

WhatsApp partners with Adidas to upgrade the football emoji to the official Trionda ball, plus football-specific calling effects, stickers, a dedicated scores/updates directory, and Status posting from channels.

WhatsApp introduces the Trionda match ball emoji, football calling effects, sticker packs, a devoted football directory, and channel-to-Status updates to centralize World Cup content.

In collaboration with Adidas, WhatsApp delivers football-themed experiences including the temporary Trionda ball emoji, video call effects, stickers, and a dedicated updates hub.

Messenger will rollout Live Updates to share real-time match highlights in group chats, complemented by a football-themed chat background and tournament stickers.

Threads debuts Live Chats hosted by football figures like Sergio Aguero and Ian Wright, plus a Football Community, real-time scores, team flair options, new stickers, and reminders for key moments.

Threads expands football engagement with live chats, a dedicated Football Community, real-time scoring, team branding options, new stickers, media highlights, and moment reminders.

Facebook introduces Football Mode with themed reactions, effects, and a World Cup mini-game, plus Wear It AI to try national team jerseys as profile pictures or posts.

Facebook adds Football Mode and Wear It for AI jersey try-ons, along with football-themed expressive tools and exclusive stickers to boost match-week interaction.