Fox Sports Prepares for Simultaneous Telecast of UEFA Euro 2024 and Copa América 2024

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ICARO Media Group
News
13/06/2024 19h44

In an unprecedented move, Fox Sports is gearing up for a thrilling month of soccer as it prepares to telecast both the UEFA Euro 2024 and the Copa América 2024 tournaments. With an array of top teams and star players set to compete, the network is hoping for a dream scenario that will captivate audiences across the United States.

Zac Kenworthy, the vice president of production for Fox Sports, envisions a successful run for the U.S. men's national team in Copa América, which features reputable national teams from South America and additional invitees from the Americas. Kenworthy believes that a potential U.S.-Argentina final would be a goldmine for the network, as it would generate significant interest from not only sports fans but a wider audience as well.

On the European side, the power of the England national team and the brilliance of France's Kylian Mbappé are expected to draw in viewers. Additionally, the allure of having a host nation reach the final is highly appealing to the U.S. audience, who are enticed by the vibrant atmosphere and rich soccer culture experienced during such tournaments.

Ian Darke, the lead broadcaster for Fox's Euro coverage, enthusiastically described the upcoming soccer extravaganza, with 78 matches from both tournaments being telecast from sunrise to sunset. Darke expressed his excitement for those who are passionate about the game, stating that it will be a true treat for soccer lovers.

The coverage kicks off on Friday, June 14, with the Euro 2024 tournament debut at 2 p.m. ET on Fox, featuring the host nation Germany facing off against Scotland. The Copa América begins on June 20 at 7 p.m. ET on FS1, with Argentina led by star player Lionel Messi taking on Canada, represented by the talented Alphonso Davies.

Fox has assembled an impressive lineup of broadcast teams for both tournaments. For Euro 2024, the lead broadcast team consists of Derek Rae and former England goalkeeper Robert Green, alongside other notable pairs such as Jaqui Oatley and Warren Barton, and Darren Fletcher and former England midfielder Owen Hargreaves. On the Copa América side, John Strong and Stu Holden will be calling every U.S. men's national team group-stage match and beyond.

To enhance the viewers' experience, Fox's studio coverage will feature a new lead host, Jules Breach, along with renowned analysts such as Daniel Sturridge, Giorgio Chiellini, and Peter Schmeichel. The network hopes to provide a more global perspective on the game, acknowledging the criticism it has faced in the past for being too American-centric.

TelevisaUnivision will broadcast the Copa América in the United States, while Univision will exclusively air the U.S. Spanish-language coverage of the Euros on its streaming service, Vix. SiriusXM listeners will also have access to English-language broadcasts featuring Fox's match commentary of all Copa América matches and a majority of the Euro matches.

As Fox Sports gears up for this exciting month of soccer, the network aims to deliver a top-notch viewing experience for fans. Success will be gauged not only by viewership numbers but also by the sense of satisfaction among the team as they strive to put out the best possible product.

With soccer's growing popularity in North America, the simultaneous telecast of these prestigious tournaments is expected to attract a diverse range of viewers, from dedicated soccer enthusiasts to casual sports fans and beyond. It will undoubtedly be a summer to remember for soccer lovers across the United States.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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