TV Azteca Presented Its World Cup Strategy and Commentator Team

From TV Azteca’s headquarters in Mexico City, the network unveiled its strategy and coverage plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a historic event to be held across Mexico, the U.S., and Canada.

During the presentation, Adrián Ortega, General Director of Content, and Rodolfo Ramírez, Director of Azteca Deportes, announced that TV Azteca will broadcast 32 matches, including the opening match, Mexico’s games, the knockout rounds, and the grand final from New York.

The event also served to introduce the commentary team led by Christian Martinoli, Luis García, Zague, Inés Sainz, Carlos Guerrero “Warrior,” David Medrano, and Antonio Rosique, while welcoming new analysts Iker Casillas and Jorge Valdano.

“READY TO BROADCAST A SPECTACULAR WORLD CUP”

Azteca Deportes Director Rodolfo Ramírez explained that planning began months ago and highlighted the scale of the multiplatform operation.

“The team is practically set. We still have a few surprises to reveal in the coming months, but we’re ready to broadcast a World Cup that will undoubtedly be spectacular in every sense,” he said.

The executive confirmed that the coverage will include live programming throughout the day. “We’ll broadcast 32 matches. We’ll have three different shows each day — morning, afternoon, and evening. Each will last about an hour, and the evening show, the traditional Protagonistas, will be two and a half hours long,” he added.

He also emphasized the importance of digital platforms: “The digital side plays a massive role in this coverage. Mexico is going to explode with excitement for a World Cup at home, and we’ll be covering every moment.”

REGIONAL COVERAGE AND MULTIPLATFORM STRATEGY

Ramírez explained that the coverage will span all the stadiums and host cities of the 2026 World Cup: “Mexico will host around 13 or 14 matches. Our base will be here, but we won’t miss anything happening in the U.S. or Canada. We’ll have a massive team deployed at every game and across all Azteca Deportes platforms,” he stated.

He also underscored the importance of partnerships with social media and digital platforms: “We can’t imagine this stage without partnerships. We’ll continue working hand in hand with TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and all social networks, just as we’ve done in recent events.”

Ramírez emphasized that this will be the largest World Cup coverage the network has ever produced. “We’re going to use the full strength of the company. Everyone will be involved in this World Cup, which will be historic for Mexico,” he said.

PROUD TO HOLD WORLD CUP BROADCAST RIGHTS

During the event, Adrián Ortega, General Director of Content at TV Azteca, highlighted the importance of having the official broadcasting rights for the 2026 World Cup:

“The most important thing today is to announce that TV Azteca has the rights to the World Cup. This World Cup is extremely important because it takes place in Mexico. It’s the third FIFA World Cup we’ll experience at home, and we’ll identify it with our Azteca brand,” he said.

Ortega added that the entire company will be involved in this global coverage:

“The entire organization will be part of this event. It’s a major project that includes sports, entertainment, and programming. We’re working across all departments, and many surprises are on the way,” he explained.

Regarding the talent lineup, Ortega noted: “It’s a source of pride to have the Azteca Deportes team. Cristian, Luis, Campos, Zague, Iker, Valdano, Warrior, Andy, and Inés are essential. We’re the leaders — and we’ll continue to be.”

NEW FORMATS AND INTEGRATED PRODUCTION

Beyond the matches, coverage will feature new shows and special segments on broadcast TV, pay TV, and digital platforms.

“Some new programs and sections will be launched. We’re already working with all departments in coordination,” Ortega detailed.

TV Azteca will integrate its brands — Fut Azteca, Box Azteca, and Exatlón — into its global content strategy, blending sports and entertainment under a unified multiplatform narrative.

“We embrace sports in all its forms. Exatlón is part of the sports universe and will now join the World Cup energy,” Ortega said.

UNPRECEDENTED COVERAGE

The 2026 World Cup will represent a major technical and logistical challenge for the network, with presence across all three host countries.

“With Mexico as our home base, we’re planning the largest coverage we’ve ever done, while maintaining strong coverage in neighboring countries. The entire TV Azteca team will be mobilized to bring every detail of the most important World Cup for us,” Ramírez concluded.

The production will include coverage of 104 matches, simultaneous deployments, live broadcasts, social content, and an audiovisual narrative designed for hybrid audiences.