As a mobile event aimed at millions of fans around the world, it could even be argued that the World Cup will be more mobile than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
All joking aside, the wide variation in kick-off times due to matches taking place in different time zones and the risk of last-minute changes to the schedule caused by extreme weather conditions mean that there is no guarantee that you will be able to watch all the matches that are important to you from your favorite spot on the sofa.
Whether it’s on the bus, in bed or at your desk – be discreet, we wouldn’t want you to get into trouble – this is a World Cup you’re going to attend. to have to watch on your phone whether you like it or not.
Read on as we break down some tips that will give you relief from the situation.
Best 2026 FIFA World Cup Apps
Here are the best apps to watch the 2026 World Cup on your phone:
Abroad? The best VPN app for the 2026 World Cup
If you’re traveling, you may find that your usual World Cup coverage is suddenly unavailable due to geographic restrictions.
Don’t worry, this is exactly where a VPN app can help you. A Virtual Private Network lets you connect to servers around the world so you can securely access your usual World Cup coverage as if you were at home.
We recommend Norton VPN. Here’s why:
Watch the 2026 World Cup on your phone – FAQ
How much phone data do I need to watch the 2026 World Cup?
A 90-minute football match will burn around 700MB in SD streaming quality, 1.5GB to 3GB in HD, and 3GB to 5GB in Full HD.
These are estimates, meaning the actual figures could be higher, particularly when taking into account interruptions of play, VAR reviews and time-wasting provisions, not to mention extra time and penalties.
Unless you have an unlimited data plan, we recommend keeping the vast majority of your World Cup streaming while you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network.
There’s nothing you can do about it when you’re on the move, in which case it’s worth sacrificing image quality. Simply dive into your settings to make adjustments.
You can also set warnings and data limits that make it easier to track how much data you consume.
If you’re abroad and roaming isn’t built into your plan, you may want to consider an eSIM. More details in the next section.
How can I avoid high roaming charges?
If you have planned a vacation or work trip this summer, especially in a country where roaming isn’t it covered by your mobile operator, an eSIM is essential, whether or not you plan to stream World Cup matches.
eSIMs are essentially short-term international mobile data contracts.
They’re highly customizable, and even the most expensive unlimited and all-inclusive plans cost far less than you’d otherwise pay for a few minutes of basic web browsing and messaging.
Above all, eSIMs give you peace of mind. The fact that you can buy one online and avoid the confusion of finding a local SIM card also makes them very convenient.
Currently, we consider Ubigi, Saily and Airalo to be the best eSIMs for international travel.
How do I extend my phone’s battery life?
The last thing you want when a crucial game is on the line is for your phone’s battery to die.
Only you know if your device is up to the task of streaming a World Cup match in its entirety, but in case it gets caught short, you can turn off notifications, prevent other apps from running in the background, turn off visual effects and, when things get desperate, reduce the brightness of your screen.
However, the most effective step you can take is to invest in a good portable charger. They are inexpensive and should serve you for years.
Can I watch the 2026 World Cup live on the FIFA app?
The FIFA app will not provide live coverage of World Cup matches, but it will offer scores, fixtures, news, analysis, polls and quizzes.
FIFA+, meanwhile, has now been integrated into DAZN. The channel will allow you to watch archive footage from past World Cups.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Access a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protect your online security and strengthen your online privacy abroad. We do not support or condone illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consumption of paid pirated content is not endorsed or endorsed by Future Publishing.
