The 21st FIFA World Cup kicks off next Thursday, June 14 – and Google is helping diehard football fans keep up with and relive the historic moments in the making.
Get a real-time view of what’s happening on and off the pitch with your Google Assistant, or pin real-time scores on your Android phone screen and keep track of all the matches, even when you’re not searching!
The countdown has started, and here is a useful Google cheat sheet to help you with your FIFA World Cup™ watch-a-thon:
1. Stay in the know with Search
During the FIFA World Cup, keep track of the tournament right on Search – which will allow you to explore group tables, stats and trending players.
Within 30 minutes of the end of each game, video recaps from select broadcasters featuring goals and highlights of major match moments will be made available.
For each match, you can tap to watch live or follow along with score updates on your phone. You’ll also find a detailed timeline with updates including in-game moments, live images, stats, tweets and more.
To keep track of all the matches, even when you’re not searching, you can pin real-time scores on your Android phone screen from Search on mobile browsers or from the Android Google App. Find the match you’re looking for, tap and drag to pin the match anywhere on your screen.
If your country is competing in the tournament, keep an eye out for a Google Doodle from a local artist. Football fans in select countries will also have a chance to check out the Doodles, and they will all be available as they are unveiled at google.com/doodles.
2. Assistant with the assist
Keep your eyes on the match and ask your Google Assistant for updates on all the World Cup action.
For example, if you want to find out who won the match between Germany and Mexico, which players have scored the most goals in this year’s quest for the Golden Boot, or how many FIFA World Cups Brazil has won, just say “Hey Google” and ask away!
You’ll also get fun BTW (by the way) stats for some of your questions, so keep your ears open.
3. Follow along with Google News
A dedicated World Cup Tracker on the Google News app on Android will help you stay on the ball with all the FIFA World Cup action as it unfolds.
The tracker will include a special “spotlight” feature that provides an easy way to visualize live scores, highlights, results, and schedules all in one place. Fans can quickly check on how their favorite teams are performing throughout the tournament and find video highlights to watch on YouTube.
However, the feature will only be available for users in the U.S., Germany, France, U.K., Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, and Colombia.
4. Track the trends
To know which moments popped on the pitch and where fans are teeming with anticipation, head to the Google Trends page for an interactive, real-time view of FIFA World Cup searches.
There will be real-time rankings of the world’s players based on search interest and embeddable maps and charts where you can relive each game through Search, as soon as it happens.
5. Highlights, behind-the-scenes and more from YouTube
Miss a game? Can’t get enough of the action?
On YouTube globally, you can catch up on your favorite FIFA World Cup moments with select video highlights from official FIFA broadcasters
6. Find places to watch the games on Google Maps
Starting June 14, fans can look out for the “good for watching sports” highlight on business listings in Google Search and Maps to find the best local places to watch the games.
For a little inspiration before you put on your jersey and head out the door, take a closer look at two FIFA World Cup stadiums, Otkrytye Arena and St. Petersburg Stadium, on Street View.