—TechRound does not endorse or recommend any betting, gambling or other providers, advice or practices. All articles are purely informational—
The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada will be one of the most watched sporting events ever staged. The expanded format will feature 48 teams for the first time, which will make FIFA’s showpiece tournament even more exciting than previous editions. Impact-Site-Verification: 520197771
Digital technology will undoubtedly play an integral role in shaping the fan experience, particularly for the fans who are planning to watch the tournament from afar.
Sports Betting Set To Boom During The World Cup
Online sports betting activity will surge during the World Cup as punters strive to use their football knowledge to hit the bookmakers hard. Betting operators across the globe will likely be inundated with wagers given the popularity of the sport’s most prestigious international tournament. Platforms such as Betway may well offer a wide range of World Cup markets, while punters will also be able to access bonuses and promotions themed around the tournament.
Sportsbooks may arm bettors with predictive analytics and real-time data tracking sourced using advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Live betting could be all the rage during the World Cup and may also produce higher turnover than pre-match wagering on the individual games. In-play markets are often of interest and allow fans to engage with the World Cup as more than spectators. There will in all likelihood, be active participants with a stake in every minute of every match.
Live Streaming Platforms Will Change Viewing Habits
Fans are increasingly turning to streaming platforms such as Peacock, ESPN+ and Paramount+ to bring them closer to the action. They have secured the rights to broadcast major international sporting events such as the World Cup as live streaming becomes more mainstream.
Advancements in streaming technology will deliver innovations such as multi-camera views, real-time analytics and interactive options that customise the viewing experience. Another exciting aspect of the shift towards streaming is the social interaction within the apps. Many platforms incorporate features that allow fans to engage with each other during games.
This way of watching the game mirrors viewing it in a sports bar or at home with family or friends, making the experience much more dynamic and engaging. These exciting developments in live streaming will offer a more personalised and connected World Cup experience to fans worldwide.
AR and VR Will Take Fan Engagement To Even Greater Heights
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are infiltrating sports broadcasting and the 2026 World Cup will be the ideal stage for these technologies to shine. AR and VR deliver unique and immersive experiences for supporters, allowing them to harness a plethora of thrilling features.
For example, fans can watch games from different perspectives such as the referee’s, which brings new levels of excitement to the viewing experience. Fans can also replay and analyse crucial moments from the game from different angles. FIFA and other broadcasting partners will use this technology more widely at the World Cup.
Oculus from Meta has already started trialling VR for sports by simulating the atmosphere around a stadium. The technologies are a superb alternative for fans unable to attend live games. Mobile app developers are also integrating AR so users can access live statistics, player heat maps and passing networks by pointing their smartphones at the television.
The 2026 World Cup will be one of the most technologically enhanced tournaments ever staged, setting new standards for the way fans engage with live football.
—TechRound does not endorse or recommend any betting, gambling or other providers, advice or practices. All articles are purely informational—
