Apple Sports is all set to monitor every World Cup disappointment as it happens.
Apple’s free sports app has introduced a World Cup mode
Apple Sports is expanding significantly, and the timing is ideal for football enthusiasts. The company has revealed that its free sports app for iPhone is now accessible in over 170 countries and regions, having added more than 90 new markets. The standout feature is a collection of new tools tailored for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Apple is implementing changes to attract a broader audience for a tournament that will take center stage in the sports calendar.
Apple Sports goes global
Originally, Apple Sports was a straightforward app for keeping sports fans updated with scores, which remains its primary focus. The app centers around real-time scores, statistics, favorite teams, and various leagues, with Apple prioritizing “speed and simplicity.” More notably, Apple is leveraging the World Cup to enhance the app’s essential feel. Users can track the entire tournament or select specific national teams, thereby customizing their scoreboard based on the matches they are interested in.
Introducing a new World Cup mode
The most significant new feature is a tournament bracket view, allowing fans a clean, scrollable interface to monitor matchups and results from the group stage to the finals. This enhancement is expected to make Apple Sports more beneficial as the tournament progresses swiftly and teams enter the knockout stage.
Additionally, Apple is incorporating visual formations into enhanced match cards, presenting each team's starting lineup in a tactical format prior to matches. This detail is particularly appealing for fans who seek more than mere scores, especially during a World Cup where lineup decisions can spark national discussions almost immediately.
By following a team, users can also access Live Activities on the iPhone Lock Screen and Apple Watch, enabling fans to stay updated on match status at a glance. Apple mentions that users can add widgets to their iPhone, iPad, and MacBook Home Screens to monitor tournament progress in real time.
A one-tap shortcut to the Apple TV app is also included for locating live matches via connected streaming services, although some services may still require subscriptions and availability may differ by region. Integration with Apple News is also provided for editorial coverage, limited to regions where Apple News is available.
Other articles
Apple Sports is all set to monitor every World Cup disappointment as it happens.
Apple Sports is broadening its international reach with World Cup features such as bracket displays, visual formations, widgets, Live Activities, and one-tap access to Apple TV.
