#What is the Super Shoutout Program?
FIFA has introduced a new initiative called Super Shoutout that allows fans to pay $79 plus tax to have their names featured on a stadium scoreboard before World Cup matches. Starting on June 8, 2026, this program covers all 72 group-stage matches across 16 venues in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Fans have the option to purchase up to four slots in a single order, leading a family of four to potentially spend $316 before tax just to see their names illuminated on the screen.
#How Does Super Shoutout Operate?
To participate in the Super Shoutout, fans need to visit fanspotlight.fifa.com, select a match, make the required payment of $79 per name, and their shoutout will be displayed during the pre-game period on the stadium scoreboard. The display will not occur during the match itself but before it begins.
Unexpectedly, interest in the program has been robust, with shoutout slots for the opening game between Mexico and South Africa selling out within hours of the announcement. The limitation of four slots per order suggests that FIFA aims to maintain accessibility for individual fans rather than allowing corporate buyers to monopolize the available slots.
#What is the Public Reaction?
Online feedback has been predominantly critical. Many social media users perceive the Super Shoutout as yet another method for FIFA to monetize their events, despite already benefiting from substantial revenues generated through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales. Critics highlight FIFA’s reported $4 billion revenue from the last World Cup cycle as an argument that the organization is not in dire need of this additional income.
#What are the Implications for Sports Monetization?
For technology companies focused on fan engagement, the Super Shoutout is a noteworthy case to observe. This program’s execution appears to be quite basic and lacks modern features such as blockchain technology, NFT integration, or digital collectibles associated with the fan shoutouts. FIFA’s promotional materials do not mention any connection to cryptocurrency or digital assets.
This absence is significant, especially when considering that many major sports organizations actively pursued partnerships within the Web3 and token-based fan experience landscapes in 2022 and 2023. The launch of a digital fan engagement product by FIFA in 2026, relying solely on a simple e-commerce model, indicates a marked shift in the enthusiasm for crypto integration within the sports industry.