Apple scores big: sports app goes global ahead of world cup
Just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on American soil, Apple is making a significant play for sports fans worldwide. The company’s free Apple Sports app, previously a regional offering, has expanded dramatically, now available in over 170 countries and regions – a massive leap encompassing more than 90 new markets.
A world cup-ready upgrade
The timing of this expansion isn't accidental. Apple clearly recognizes the global fervor surrounding the World Cup and is positioning itself to capitalize on it. The app has received a suite of features specifically designed for tournament tracking, allowing users to explore group standings and customize their scoreboard to follow either the entire competition or just their national team. Forget sifting through endless websites; Apple is aiming to be the one-stop shop for World Cup enthusiasts.
What can you expect? A clean, scrollable tournament bracket view provides a clear path for each team, from the group stage to the final. Visual formations offer a tactical preview, displaying each team's starting lineup before the match even begins. And for those in the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia, a single tap connects you to comprehensive editorial coverage and the latest headlines via Apple News.
But the real magic lies in the Live Activities feature. Following a team now triggers real-time match updates to appear directly on your iPhone Lock Screen or Apple Watch, allowing for quick glances at the score without even unlocking your device. This, coupled with the ability to pin widgets to your Home Screen, ensures you're always in the loop.
Oliver Schusser, Apple's VP of Music, Sports, Apple TV, and Beats, succinctly put it: “The World Cup unites fans across the globe, making it the ideal moment to bring Apple Sports to even more users.”
More than just scores: apple's growing sports ecosystem
This isn't a standalone move; it’s a piece of a larger, steadily evolving strategy. Apple Sports has been steadily adding leagues and live TV broadcast details over the past couple of years, transforming from a basic scoreboard into a genuine companion app for game day. It seamlessly integrates with Apple TV, which is rapidly becoming a serious destination for sports fans. The recent additions of MLS and Formula 1 further solidify this trajectory, and a free scores app directing users to all that content is a shrewd move to keep them within the Apple ecosystem.
If you own an iPhone and have even a passing interest in the World Cup, downloading Apple Sports is a no-brainer. It’s free on the App Store, and it’s ready to go just in time for June’s kickoff. Don't miss out on the action.