Chinese tech company Vivo has become the only official sponsor from the smartphone industry for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, as it makes a push to leverage the global sports event to expand its international presence.

The news was unveiled on Monday night when Vivo revealed its latest foldable smartphone vivo X Fold+ in China, and the new model will be the first official foldable smartphone in the 118-year history of the Federation Internationale de Football Association.

Spark Ni, senior vice-president and chief marketing officer of Vivo, said: "Football has the power to bring people together. Vivo believes that innovation can help football fans build a community and share exciting World Cup experiences with everyone across the globe, whether they are watching the games at a football stadium or enjoying the experience from afar”.

Vivo signed a six-year sponsorship agreement with FIFA in 2017, and this year's event in Qatar will be the second World Cup Vivo has sponsored after having done the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017, the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 and the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021. For football events, Vivo also sponsored the UEFA EURO 2020?. Vivo remains committed to supporting the development of football through its various football sponsorships.

During the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Vivo said it will provide industry-leading flagship smartphones to the FIFA World Cup staff to complete preparations with cutting-edge technology, and boost the successful holding of the World Cup.