Apple Sports is prepared to monitor every moment of heartbreak during the World Cup in real time.
Apple's free sports app has introduced a World Cup mode
Apple Sports is experiencing a significant expansion just in time for football enthusiasts. The tech giant has announced that its free sports app for iPhone is now accessible in over 170 countries and regions, having added more than 90 new markets. However, the standout feature is a series of new tools created specifically for the FIFA World Cup 2026, as Apple aims to broaden its appeal for a major event that will dominate the sports calendar.
Apple Sports goes worldwide
Originally, Apple Sports was a straightforward app designed to keep sports fans updated with scores, and this remains its fundamental concept. The app focuses on real-time scores, statistics, favorite teams, and various leagues, with Apple emphasizing "speed and simplicity." More notably, Apple is leveraging the World Cup to enhance the app's significance. Users can follow the entire tournament or select specific national teams, which tailors their scoreboard to the matches they find important.
Introducing a new World Cup mode
The most significant new feature is a tournament bracket view, allowing fans a clean, scrollable interface to track matchups and results from the group stage through to the final. This should enhance the utility of Apple Sports as the tournament progresses and teams advance to the knockout rounds.
Additionally, Apple is incorporating visual formations into enhanced game cards, displaying each team's starting lineup in a more tactical format before matches begin. This detail adds to the experience for fans seeking more than just a score, especially in a World Cup where lineup choices can spark national discussions within moments.
Following a team also activates Live Activities for the iPhone Lock Screen and Apple Watch, enabling fans to stay updated on a match at a glance. Apple also states that users can add widgets on the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook Home Screens to monitor tournament progress in real time.
Moreover, there will be a one-tap shortcut to the Apple TV app to locate live matches through connected streaming services, though some may still need subscriptions, and accessibility may differ by region. Apple News integration is also provided for editorial coverage, limited to areas where Apple News is available.
Other articles
Apple Sports is prepared to monitor every moment of heartbreak during the World Cup in real time.
Apple Sports is growing its global presence by introducing World Cup tools such as bracket views, visual formations, widgets, Live Activities, and easy one-tap access to Apple TV.
