Brazilian agency LiveMode has announced the launch of its first digital channel outside Brazil, LiveModeTV, set to debut in Portugal next year. The channel will feature free live broadcasts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on YouTube, marking a significant milestone for the company.
LiveModeTV plans to air 34 games live from the tournament, including all fixtures involving the Portuguese national team. The top match from each day of the tournament will be broadcasted on this new platform. This move is expected to attract a large audience base given that it offers free access to some of the most anticipated matches.
The coverage will feature a mix of former football players and content creators along with Portuguese commentators. The editorial approach is described as being 'centered on authenticity, digital language and closeness to fans'. This unique blend aims at creating an engaging environment for viewers while maintaining high-quality commentary and analysis.
Engaging content creators
A key aspect of LiveModeTV's strategy involves leveraging content creators who have strong connections with youth culture. By adopting their styles and languages, LiveModeTV hopes to establish an 'authentic, irreverent and relatable language with fans'. This approach aims at building a community that engages with the channel beyond just watching live broadcasts.
This venture marks LiveMode’s first expansion outside Brazil since launching CazéTV three years ago in partnership with Brazilian streamer Casimiro Miguel. Since its inception in 2022, CazéTV has successfully broadcasted several major tournaments including 2022 World Cup, 2023 Women’s World Cup, FIFA Intercontinental Cup, and Club World Cup.
For these events, matches were streamed on CazéTV’s YouTube channels and via platforms including Amazon Prime Video and Samsung TV+. This year, CazéTV secured rights in Brazil for the 2026 World Cup and 2027 Women’s World Cup. It also extended its deal to show live matches from Germany’s Bundesliga. This move further solidifies LiveMode's position in the sports broadcasting industry.
Central to CazéTV's success is its ability to reach younger fans through wide distribution and an interactive presentation style. The platform has disrupted the Brazilian sports media market with this approach. LiveModeTV plans to replicate this model in Portugal by democratising access to major sports events, offering them for free in a digital-first format that emphasises audience participation and multi-platform distribution. LiveMode's expansion into Portugal represents a significant step forward for the company as it seeks to broaden its global footprint while maintaining its commitment towards providing free access to major sporting events.
