With the FIFA World Cup 2026 just around the corner, Apple has significantly expanded its Sports app to cover more than 170 countries and regions worldwide. This move transforms the app from a niche North American score tracker into a truly global platform for football (and other sports) enthusiasts.
A Major Expansion for Apple Sports
Originally launched in 2024 as a fast, live score-tracking application for iPhone and Apple Watch, Apple Sports initially focused on North American leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. The App Store description noted its simplicity and real-time updates. Now, less than two years later, Apple has taken a giant leap by expanding the app’s availability to over 90 additional countries, bringing the total to more than 170 nations.
From North America to the World
The expansion is strategically timed ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which kicks off in June and will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. By making the app available globally, Apple aims to cater to the massive international audience that follows football—especially during tournament periods. The update also introduces a suite of World Cup–focused features, ensuring fans have everything they need to follow the action.
New Countries and Regions
While Apple has not published a full list of every new country, the expansion covers major markets across Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and Oceania. Users in these regions can now download Apple Sports from the App Store and enjoy the same seamless experience that North American users have had since the app’s debut.
World Cup Features at Your Fingertips
The update brings several new capabilities designed specifically for the FIFA World Cup, which can also be used for other tournaments like the UEFA Champions League or domestic cup competitions.
Tournament Brackets and Lineup Formations
One of the standout additions is the tournament bracket view, allowing fans to visualize the knockout stage progression in real time. Plus, lineup formations show each team’s starting XI in a clear, graphical format—perfect for pre-match analysis and fantasy football preparation.
Widgets and Live Activities
Apple has also integrated widgets for the Home Screen and Lock Screen on iPhone, as well as the Apple Watch face, so you can see scores, upcoming matches, and key stats without opening the app. The Live Activities feature (on iPhone) provides persistent, glanceable updates during a match, such as goal alerts, red cards, and halftime scores. On Apple Watch, the app can display live data via a dedicated complication.
What This Means for Football Fans
With the World Cup being the most-watched sporting event on the planet, having a reliable, fast, and ad-free source of live scores and match information is invaluable. Apple Sports’ expansion ensures that fans in any of the 170+ countries can stay connected to the tournament—whether they’re traveling, at work, or following from home.
The app’s interface remains clean and minimalist, prioritizing data density without clutter. Users can customize which leagues and teams they follow, receive notifications for key events, and instantly switch between different tournaments.
How to Get Started
To use Apple Sports, simply update your iPhone or Apple Watch to the latest version of iOS/watchOS, then download the app from the App Store (it’s free and does not require an Apple subscription). Once installed, you can select your favorite leagues and teams—including the FIFA World Cup—and start receiving live updates immediately.
If you’re in one of the newly supported countries, check for the app in your local App Store. The World Cup features are available globally for all users running iOS 17+ and watchOS 10+.
Conclusion
Apple’s expansion of the Sports app is a clear signal that the company is serious about becoming a go‑to platform for live sports information. By adding World Cup functionality and extending reach to over 170 countries, Apple is positioning itself to attract millions of football fans ahead of the 2026 tournament. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a die‑hard follower, Apple Sports now offers a convenient, centralized way to follow every match.
This article was originally reported by AppleInsider.