Chinese smartphone maker Vivo Mobile Communication Technology Co Ltd said it had signed a six-year deal with FIFA to sponsor the 2018 and 2022 World Cup, as the company steps up efforts to boost global exposure by embracing international sports events.

The sponsorship is the company's latest attempt to expand its presence in overseas markets after it expanded to be the third-biggest smartphone seller in China.

As FIFA's official smartphone brand, Vivo will sponsor the FIFA World Cup as well as the FIFA Confederations Cup until 2022.