Apple is massively expanding its Sports app ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with the service rolling out to more than 170 countries and regions worldwide.
Originally launched in 2024 as a fairly US-focused live scores app, Apple Sports is now becoming a much bigger international platform. Football is clearly the main reason why.
The latest update adds support for the FIFA World Cup alongside several tournament-focused features, including live brackets, team lineup formations, widgets, and Live Activities support across iPhone and Apple Watch. In addition, users can follow the entire tournament or track individual national teams through custom scoreboards and real-time match updates.
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Apple also seems to be positioning the app as a central hub for following live sport across its ecosystem. Now, Sports links directly into the Apple TV app, helping users jump into live matches through supported streaming services. Apple News integration also surfaces related coverage and headlines with a single tap.
Rather than chasing every expensive broadcast deal itself, Apple appears to be leaning into something it already does well. Specifically, it is keeping users glued to notifications, widgets, and live updates across its devices.
That strategy probably makes even more sense with a tournament like the World Cup. Millions of people follow scores constantly throughout the day — even when they can’t watch every match live.
The new bracket view should also make tournament tracking a bit easier this time around. It lets users follow teams from the group stages through to the knockout rounds. Additionally, enhanced match cards will show starting formations before kickoff, giving fans a clearer look at team setups ahead of games.
Interestingly, this is one of Apple Sports’ biggest global expansions yet. The app originally centred heavily around North American leagues, but football’s international reach gives Apple a much larger audience to target ahead of the 2026 tournament.
With the World Cup kicking off in June 2026, the timing of the rollout definitely doesn’t feel accidental.
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