Apple Sports App Revolutionizes 2026 FIFA World Cup Tracking Experience

Apple Sports has become one of Apple’s most frequently updated apps, with a history of regular updates that surpass even the built-in apps like Mail and Calendar. Unlike those apps, which only receive updates during iOS updates, Apple Sports can be updated as frequently as Apple desires. This consistent updating has made Apple Sports a standout among Apple’s apps.

Since its release in February 2024, Apple Sports has undergone over two dozen updates, averaging one update per month. These updates have not only added support for new leagues but also introduced new features such as Live Activities, shareable live game score cards, and Home Screen widgets.

Initially limited to major leagues like MLB, MLS, NBA, and NHL, Apple Sports has since expanded to include NCAA basketball, NFL, college football, European football leagues, Formula 1, NASCAR, tennis, and golf. Each new addition required a unique approach to tracking scores and stats.

The latest update, Apple Sports 3.9, includes features like listing probable starting pitchers for MLB games and adding car numbers to NASCAR leaderboards. Additionally, Apple is working on an update to include complete FIFA World Cup tournament groupings.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held in North America, starting on June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. This World Cup will feature 48 teams for the first time, adding an extra element of excitement.

Although the FIFA World Cup update for Apple Sports has been confirmed, it is currently unavailable on the App Store. This may indicate that Apple has temporarily pulled the build for bug fixes before re-releasing it.

The update will include a “FIFA World Cup 2026” section listing all participating countries. While not visible in the current version, users can search for “World Cup” to see the list of countries and select their favorites.

Fans can expect the updated app to provide Live Activities with real-time game information and the ability to follow the tournament’s progress. The update is anticipated to be released before the World Cup kicks off, coinciding with the end of Apple’s 2026 Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).