Diogo Defante, one of the notable figures in the 2022 World Cup coverage in Qatar, says internet content creators can play an important role in documenting major sporting events. Speaking to #Hashtag, the CazéTV presenter said his work does not replace journalism, but instead complements it by giving the public a broader experience of the tournament. He said journalists are responsible for reporting, verifying and analyzing facts, while creators focus on the atmosphere around the matches, including the people, encounters, local culture and behind-the-scenes moments that shape the event.
Defante said the demand for this type of coverage comes not only from audiences, but also from athletes, coaching staffs, organizers and event partners, who see value in connecting different audiences through multiple forms of communication. Based on that view, he became one of the partners behind Skip House, a home in Trenton, New Jersey, that will serve as a base for a pool of Brazilian creators covering the World Cup’s off-field stories. The project brings together a group of digital talents so each one can present the tournament from a different perspective. Alongside Defante, the coverage will include Carolixas, Ryan Barine, Dan Lessa, Samanta Alves and Menina Veneno.
The idea, he said, was shaped by his experience in Qatar in 2022. Defante described that World Cup as transformative and said it made him realize that the tournament is about much more than football. In his view, a World Cup brings together cultures, stories, behaviors and people from around the world in the same place, creating a unique environment that goes beyond the action on the pitch.
He also noted that his current approach is different from the one many people saw in 2022, when he often embraced a more chaotic and comedic style during coverage in conservative Qatar. Defante said the tone of his work in 2026 reflects both audience expectations and the moment he is living. He explained that his style has always been guided by the energy of the event and by how he connects with people, which can lead either to humorous content or to a more serious and observant tone. In his view, this World Cup called for the latter.
Looking ahead, Defante said he is optimistic about Brazil’s chances. He pointed to the national team’s talented players, passionate supporters and long-standing relationship with football as reasons to believe in a strong tournament. For him, Brazil’s history in World Cups gives the team a special aura that keeps hope alive whenever the competition begins.
