Fans can now step into Lionel Messi's boots as he breaks World Cup records, watch from the viewpoint of Cape Verde's Vozinha during his goalkeeping heroics against Spain, or take a bird's-eye tactical view of England's thrilling victory over Croatia – all from their own sofa. BBC Sport has launched a 3D Experience, a UK first, that gives viewers complete control to watch every angle of every World Cup match played so far.
The technology, powered by live official Fifa data and technology from XR company Immersiv.io, recreates matches using skeletal data similar to semi-automated offside technology. Matches shown live on the BBC can be viewed in real time, while all completed games – regardless of whether they aired on BBC or ITV – are available in replay mode, including highlights and full match replays.
“BBC Sport launches UK-first 3D Experience, letting fans replay every World Cup match from any angle, including first-person view.”
The 3D Experience offers multiple viewing perspectives: a broadcast view with user-controlled camera angle, a tactical view showing the full pitch from above, a third-person view to follow a specific player, and a first-person view that puts the user in a player's eyes. These features work in real time during live matches, and users can rewind key moments, switch cameras, and see stats. After the match, a highlights mode displays goals, shots, and penalties, plus a full-match replay.
The feature, available only to users in the UK, can be accessed at bbc.co.uk/3dWorldCup. Throughout the tournament, it will also appear on BBC Sport's website and app, on live match pages, and on sport, football, and World Cup indexes.
One match fans will be able to experience in this immersive way is England's upcoming Group L clash against Ghana, which kicks off at 9pm UK time at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts – known as Gillette Stadium. It is the second group stage match for both teams: England beat Croatia 4-2, while Ghana edged past Panama 1-0 last week. The match will be broadcast live on BBC One, with pre-match coverage starting at 8pm, and can be streamed via BBC iPlayer. For those on the move, BBC Radio 5 Live will provide full live commentary.
As the tournament progresses, BBC Sport's 3D Experience promises to offer deeper insight with every fixture – putting the viewer not just in the stands, but on the pitch itself.