AMP Article

What Features Are Available on Meta’s Special 2026 World Cup Rollout?

Published Juni 19, 2026 · Updated Juni 19, 2026 · By Wahyu Santoso

Meta's 2026 World Cup Enhancements: A Comprehensive Overview

What Features Are Available on Meta - TEMPO.CO, Jakarta — As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Meta is set to revamp its social platforms to provide fans with immersive experiences centered around the global football event. The tech giant is rolling out a suite of features across Threads, Instagram, Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp, aiming to foster deeper engagement and connection among billions of users worldwide. This initiative reflects Meta’s commitment to making the World Cup more accessible and interactive, ensuring that conversations and content related to the tournament remain at the forefront of digital interactions.

Threads: Live Discussions and Community Building

Threads, Meta’s microblogging platform, is gaining new capabilities to support real-time football engagement. A standout addition is the "Live Chats" feature, which enables users to join interactive discussions with commentators, athletes, and content creators before, during, and after matches. This tool is designed to amplify the communal feel of the World Cup, allowing fans to share insights and reactions in a dynamic, time-sensitive environment.

Among the notable participants in these sessions are Sergio Aguero, the former Argentina striker, and Ian Wright, a retired England forward. Both are set to host three live chat events each during the tournament, offering firsthand perspectives and engaging with audiences directly. Threads also introduces a dedicated soccer community hub, real-time match scores, and thematic sticker packs. Users can showcase their allegiance by customizing profile avatars with national team flags and using 2026 World Cup-inspired emojis. Additionally, the platform will send match reminders and highlight trending conversations to keep fans informed and connected.

Instagram: AI-Driven Experiences and Content Discovery

Instagram is enhancing its functionality to cater to the World Cup’s global audience. The platform has overhauled its search feature, making it easier for users to locate content related to the tournament. By tapping on soccer-related topics or browsing specific tags, fans will be directed to a curated page featuring Reels, Stories, official national team accounts, and even live updates from broadcasters and sponsors. This streamlined approach ensures that users can quickly access a wealth of information and entertainment, whether they’re seeking official highlights or fan-generated excitement.

A unique innovation is the introduction of an AI-based "Goal!" sound effect, integrated into direct messages (DMs). This feature adds a layer of enthusiasm to conversations, allowing users to celebrate goals with a special audio cue. Instagram’s updates also extend to its visual content, with themed video call effects and a new sticker pack that includes World Cup-related icons. These elements are intended to create a more cohesive and exciting experience for users interacting with the tournament’s content.

Facebook: Customized Interfaces and Virtual Experiences

Facebook’s Football Mode offers a tailored user experience for fans. This new interface allows users to activate a soccer-themed layout, making navigation easier for accessing match-related updates and discussions. The feature is particularly useful for those who want to prioritize football content without distractions, providing a dedicated space for tracking games and engaging with the community.

Complementing this is the "Wear It" tool, an AI-powered feature that enables users to virtually try on World Cup team jerseys. Once customized, these designs can be shared as profile photos, Stories, or posts, allowing fans to display their support for their favorite teams. The integration of Wear It not only adds a creative dimension to user profiles but also encourages social interaction and visual storytelling around the tournament.

Messenger: Live Updates and Themed Chat Environments

Messenger is receiving updates to enhance its role in World Cup coverage. The "Live Updates" feature will deliver real-time match information to chat groups, including goals, red cards, and key moments. This ensures that users can stay updated on the action without needing to switch between apps or platforms. Additionally, Messenger now includes special soccer-themed chat themes, which can be applied to group conversations to create a more engaging atmosphere for discussing the games.

The changes to Messenger are part of Meta’s broader strategy to make the World Cup a central focus in digital communication. By integrating these features, the platform aims to provide seamless support for fans to connect with each other and stay informed about the tournament’s progress.

WhatsApp: Virtual Items and Enhanced Communication Tools

WhatsApp has partnered with Adidas to introduce the official 2026 World Cup ball, known as the Trionda, as a special emoji. This digital representation allows users to incorporate the iconic ball into their chats, fostering a sense of shared excitement and visual unity. The platform also adds soccer-themed video call effects, enabling participants to enhance their virtual meetings with World Cup-related visuals.

Furthermore, WhatsApp will feature a soccer directory that consolidates scores, match schedules, and other relevant information. This tool simplifies access to updates for users who prefer to stay informed through the app. The Status feature now supports sharing World Cup-related content via channels, ensuring that fans can receive timely updates directly in their chat history.

Meta’s Security Focus: Protecting Users During the World Cup

Meta is not only expanding its features but also reinforcing security measures to safeguard athletes and fans from online threats. As major sporting events often see a surge in cyberattacks and harassment, the company is rolling out enhanced protection tools. These include in-app reminders for users searching for match tickets, ensuring they are alerted to potential scams. Additionally, Meta is improving its detection systems to identify and block malicious accounts, providing a safer environment for all participants.

The security upgrades are part of Meta’s ongoing efforts to maintain trust and reliability during high-profile events. By addressing these concerns, the platforms aim to ensure that users can focus on the excitement of the World Cup without worrying about their online safety.

Collaborative Efforts: Bridging Creativity and Sports Passion

Meta’s World Cup rollout is a result of collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders, including creators, athletes, national teams, commentators, and broadcasters. These partnerships are crucial in delivering content that resonates with fans globally. The integration of expert voices and real-time data ensures that the digital experience is both informative and engaging.

Rob Pilgrim, Meta’s Global Football Lead, emphasized the importance of these updates in a statement received by Antara in Jakarta on Thursday. He noted,

"As the place where football conversation lives and grows, Meta’s suite of apps will allow billions of fans across the globe to connect and enjoy the highs and lows of the beautiful game together."

This vision underscores Meta’s dedication to uniting fans through technology, making the World Cup more than just a sporting event but a shared global experience.

With these features, Meta is positioning itself as a key player in the digital sports ecosystem. The combination of real-time updates, interactive tools, and security enhancements ensures that users can engage with the World Cup in a more personalized and secure manner. As the tournament draws closer, the platforms will continue to evolve, offering new ways for fans to connect, celebrate, and stay informed. Whether through virtual jerseys, AI-powered sound effects, or dedicated communities, Meta is redefining how the world experiences football in the digital age.