The 2026 World Cup is here and bigger than ever – 48 nations competing for football’s greatest prize across the United States, Canada and Mexico – and BBC Sport is matching the scale with a suite of new app features designed to put fans inside the action.
From live match scores on your lock screen to a fully immersive 3D match experience, the broadcaster is promising a tournament like no other. The 3D tool, powered by technology from Immersiv.io, lets viewers pick their angle, rewind epic moments, and even relive goals from a favourite player’s point of view on the pitch. It will launch for host nation Canada’s first match against Bosnia & Herzegovina on Friday, 12 June at 20:00 BST.
“BBC Sport launches immersive 3D app and lock-screen updates as 48-nation World Cup begins across USA, Canada and Mexico.”
But before that, a thrilling four-game slate on Sunday across Groups E and F gives fans a taste of what’s to come. Germany face Curaçao at Houston’s NRG Stadium at 6pm BST, broadcast on ITV1 and streamed via ITVX in the UK, with Julian Nagelsmann’s side entering as overwhelming favourites. Curaçao arrive as spirited underdogs, hoping a tight defensive block can stifle the Germans’ high-powered attack.
Two hours later, at AT&T Stadium, the Netherlands take on Japan in a match that sees the Dutch dealing with the notable injury absence of creative star Xavi Simons, having won just one of their last three games. Japan, by contrast, arrive in sensational form after winning each of their last six matches, including stunning victories over Brazil and England. ITV1 and ITVX carry the broadcast in the UK.
Ecuador and Ivory Coast kick off at midnight BST on Monday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Ecuador bring a highly disciplined and robust defensive unit, while Ivory Coast are in fine fettle after winning four in a row, including a friendly win over 2018 world champions France. BBC One and BBC iPlayer will show the game in the UK.
The final match of the night – or early morning – sees Sweden face Tunisia at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico, kicking off at 3am BST. ITV1 and ITVX will broadcast, but for many fans the real companion throughout the tournament will be the BBC Sport app. Alongside the 3D experience, a new predictor game lets fans compete globally, with a chance to win an official World Cup football signed by members of the BBC World Cup team. Daily quizzes and a Guess the World Cup Star game will also run. Lock screen updates mean you never miss a score – or you can swipe them away to avoid spoilers.
With 48 teams, three host nations, and a broadcaster betting big on technology, the question is not whether the World Cup will captivate, but how deep into the data and drama fans will dare to dive.