Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Apple is making a major play for sports fans worldwide. The company announced that its free Apple Sports app is now available in more than 170 countries and regions following an expansion into over 90 new markets. The latest move dramatically broadens the app’s global reach, arriving as anticipation builds for the year’s largest soccer tournament.
Since its 2024 launch, the free Apple Sports app has given fans around the world ways to follow live scores, standings, stats, and breaking sports moments from their favorite teams and leagues. The app focuses on speed and simplicity, allowing fans to:
- Customize sports and team preferences
- Follow favorite teams and leagues
- View live scores and play-by-play updates
- Access player and team statistics
- Track standings and schedules
- Receive real-time game updates
New Features Arrive Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
With soccer expected to dominate headlines over the next year, Apple is introducing several new World Cup-focused features as part of the expansion.
New additions include:
- Tournament group standings
- Interactive knockout brackets
- Team formation visualizations
- Live Activities support on iPhone and Apple Watch
- Widgets for iPhone, iPad, and Mac
- Direct links to live matches through the Apple TV app
The upgrades are designed to help fans track every stage of the tournament, from the opening group matches through the championship final. For viewers who plan to stream World Cup coverage rather than rely on traditional cable, the new features could make Apple Sports a useful companion app throughout the tournament.
“The World Cup unites fans across the globe, making it the ideal moment to bring Apple Sports to even more users,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Music, Sports, Apple TV, and Beats. “Apple Sports was designed to be fast and simple, giving fans an easy way to stay on top of scores, stats, and the action that matters most in real time.”
Apple’s Sports Strategy Extends Beyond Scores
While Apple Sports keeps fans informed, Apple TV continues to expand its role as a destination for live sports streaming. Over the past several years, Apple has steadily assembled a portfolio of sports rights and exclusive programming, giving cord cutters another alternative to traditional sports networks.
As the home of all things Major League Soccer, Apple TV subscribers get access to every match during the MLS season for no additional charge. Coverage includes regular season matches, MLS Cup Playoffs, Leagues Cup, Campeones, and the MLS All-Star Game. Plus, Sunday Night Soccer spotlights a feature MLS matchup each weekend.
Apple’s weekly Friday Night Baseball package continues to feature exclusive doubleheaders throughout the baseball season. And the streamer is home to Formula 1 race-related content and live coverage. And the service offers a Multiview option where viewers can watch up to four live streams simultaneously, making it easier to keep tabs on multiple games without constantly switching channels or apps.
New subscribers can begin their free seven-day Apple TV trial and enjoy live sports, films, shows, and Apple Originals for only $12.99/mo. For an additional $2/mo., Apple TV and Peacock bundle unlocks more hit shows, movies, and live sports, including the NBA, NFL, and Premier League.
