The world governing body of soccer, FIFA, is offering fans on Facebook an augmented reality experience to coincide with the kick off of the Confederations Cup this month.
In a simple three-step process fans can create their own 3D face mask and share on Facebook, with the selection of the eight teams competing in the Confederations Cup on offer. First, fans need to swipe to the right within the Facebook newsfeed to open up the new camera option. From there, they tap a magic wand icon which will then allow them to select from a host of effects. Finally they select a team mask, enabling them to paint their faces in their chosen country’s color.
They can then capture their reactions either in an image or by video. Within the video function a confetti effect is applied, while the country’s name is displayed at the top of the content. Facebook’s augmented reality experience works by using real-time face tracking technology that layers a 3D mask onto a fan’s face and is able to fully respond to all facial motions.
To support the launch a number of notable retired soccer stars also posted their own masks, including ex-Portuguese international Simao, former German international Gerald Asamoah and iconic Mexican goalkeeper Jorge Campos.
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FIFA claims to be the first sports organization in the world to integrate with Facebook’s augmented reality masks during an international sporting event. Facebook formally announced its AR studio offering at its F8 event in April of this year, however, it first rolled out its augmented reality masks for Facebook Live last October.
The final of the tournament is Sunday and sees Chile play Germany at the Krestovsky Stadium in St. Petersburg, Russia. The Confederations Cup was established in 1992, and it takes place a year before a World Cup in the host nation’s stadia. The last Confederations Cup was won by Spain, ahead of the 2013 World Cup in Brazil.