RTVE unveiled its plan for covering the Qatar World Cup, scheduled from November 20 to December 18, with a comprehensive broadcast approach across television and radio. The world champions from 2010, Iker Casillas and Andrés Iniesta, were announced to participate as analysts and collaborators, contributing insights across a total of 64 matches, including the Spanish team.
The network celebrated the commitment with a formal event at the Prado del Rey studios, led by RTVE Sports Director Arsenio Cañada. A broad team from the broadcaster was introduced to cover the tournament from multiple angles, including Ana Ibáñez, Marcos López, Lara Gandarillas, and Juan Carlos Rivero; alongside RNE Athletics Director Manu Martínez; José Maria Rubí, head of Radiogaceta de los Deportes, and María Eizaguirre, Director of Communications and Engagement at RTVE.
In addition to the 2010 World Cup veterans, Santi Cazorla joined as a collaborator for RTVE, complementing the regular lineup of Carlos Marchena and Albert Ferrer. The announcement featured a video from a prominent contributor expressing eagerness to comment on a World Cup final involving Spain and the chance to share perspectives with fans.
Chanel presents new single ‘TOKE’
“Collaborating with RTVE on a World Cup is a pleasure, and this event feels especially meaningful,” remarked the former FC Barcelona midfielder, who scored a decisive goal for Spain in the 2010 final. He conveyed enthusiasm about contributing to the tournament coverage and hoped the broadcast would bring good fortune to the team.
For the first time in more than two decades, RTVE would show Spain’s World Cup matches on La1, concentrating coverage on the network’s main channel. Ten matches would be broadcast on La1, including three group-stage games featuring Spanish sides, with the opener against Costa Rica on November 23 at 5:00 PM. The plan included four knockout-round matches, two quarterfinals, a pair of semifinals, the final, and the third-place game should Spain advance that far.
The programming also featured two daily shows: World Cup in La 1, hosted by Marcos López before Telediario1, and a 10 PM daily highlight show with Paco Caro on Teledeporte. The team lead highlighted that the coverage would go beyond live games, offering analyses, historical context, and veteran perspectives.
The Qatar operation was set to involve around 70 staff on-site, with additional colleagues contributing from Spain. Reporting began early each day, with Arsenio Cañada noting a transmedia approach designed to deliver another dimension of the matches for fans.
Radio coverage was strengthened as well, with 50 broadcasts planned by RNE, featuring football analyst Vero Boquete. The RNE sports director Manu Martínez explained that afternoon segments would extend beyond football, including cultural features and a diary-style look at life in Qatar during the tournament.
Chanel will add music to her World Cup journey with ‘TOKE’
Chanel, the Eurovision winner who also serves as a commentator for the tournament, attended the promotional event. The track associated with the Spanish squad for Qatar drew immediate fan response, and Chanel expressed happiness about the reception of the premiere.
She described the day as emotionally intense, noting how the creative effort moved forward with a shared sense of purpose among collaborators. The release reflected a belief that the work belongs to the audience and to the people who engage with it, rather than to any single creator, a sentiment she expressed while discussing the song’s launch and the energy behind it.
“TOKE” marks Chanel’s second solo release and is described as a powerful addition to the team’s World Cup narrative. The artist, who follows Barcelona closely, recalled earlier career moments and emphasized a competitive spirit that fuels her passion for football and storytelling alike.