Apple Sports Expands to 170 Countries Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

In a significant move to broaden its sports streaming capabilities, Apple has expanded its Sports app to more than 170 countries and regions worldwide. This update, announced on May 19, arrives just ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which is set to kick off in June, and introduces several new features designed for sports enthusiasts.

Launched in 2024, the Apple Sports app initially focused on North American leagues, providing fast score updates. The recent expansion aims to connect a much larger international audience to the app’s features, including tournament brackets, lineup formations, and live match updates. This transformation enables users to engage with the entire tournament or track specific national teams through customizable scoreboards.

Enhanced Features for World Cup Tracking

Apple's strategy integrates Apple Sports more closely with its existing services, such as Apple TV and Apple News. Users can access real-time standings and score tracking via widgets available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices. Compatible iPhones and Apple Watches will support Live Activities for ongoing matches, delivering instant updates directly to the wrist or pocket.

A new bracket view allows fans to visually follow their teams’ progress from the group stage through the elimination rounds. Enhanced game cards will display team formations before matches, providing a clearer picture of lineups as the tournament unfolds. According to Oliver Schusser, Apple's vice president of Music, Sports, Apple TV, and Beats, "The World Cup unites fans across the globe, making it the ideal moment to bring Apple Sports to even more users."

Strategic Positioning in the Sports Ecosystem

This expansion not only improves user experience but also strategically positions Apple within the competitive sports broadcast market. By integrating the Sports app with Apple TV, users can easily find live matches across connected streaming services. The new Apple News integration further directs fans to relevant tournament coverage and headlines, ensuring they stay updated with a single tap.

Apple's approach allows it to engage fans during major sporting events without needing to acquire exclusive broadcasting rights. Instead, the company is creating an interactive layer through its devices, enabling users to stay connected during live games and tournaments.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Apple Sports is poised to become an essential tool for millions of fans worldwide, enhancing their experience of one of the biggest events in sports. The app's evolution into a global platform underscores Apple's commitment to sports and its potential to engage users through its comprehensive ecosystem of devices and services.