ESPN is actively negotiating with Zico, who is regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of Brazilian football and an idol of Flamengo, to act as a special commentator for their coverage of the World Cup. Despite lacking broadcasting rights for the matches, ESPN plans to deliver substantial coverage of the tournament scheduled to take place in June and July across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This initiative underscores ESPN's commitment to providing extensive sports coverage to its viewers even without direct access to the games themselves.

The World Cup represents a significant global sporting event and attracts immense viewership, making it vital for networks like ESPN to engage influential sports figures to attract audiences. By bringing in Zico, a celebrated personality in Brazil, ESPN aims to leverage his expertise and popularity to enhance their programming and engage Brazilian fans who are eager for comprehensive World Cup coverage.

The event will feature matches in three North American countries, reflecting a collaborative effort that emphasizes the growing interest in soccer within the region. ESPN's strategy, through partnerships with iconic figures such as Zico, indicates a robust approach to covering the dynamics of the World Cup effectively, further solidifying its reputation as a key player in sports media during this high-stakes tournament.