The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada will be the most expansive international football tournament ever staged.
FIFA’s decision to increase the number of participating teams to 48 has made the World Cup more appealing to football fans across the planet.
With that in mind, read on as we analyse some of the different ways supporters can elevate their World Cup viewing to another level this summer.
Second Screen Viewing
Fans can watch the games on the big screen while engaging with other mediums on a second device, such as a mobile phone, tablet, or laptop.
Viewers watching the game on the big screen can use live statistics platforms on their devices to better understand the game beyond shots and possession.
Fans watching from a sports bar in Arizona or at a household gathering will gain deeper insights, sparking conversation and debate among family or friends.
Social media also plays a key role, as fans can access world-class analysis from respected analysts and former players to help them understand the game.
Many broadcasters now embed live polls, alternate commentary streams, and fan predictions into their apps. These enhancements allow viewers to feel part of the global excitement.
Second screens can improve the overall viewing experience, pulling you deeper into the World Cup.
Live Betting
Live betting has become one of the most popular ways fans engage with football in the modern era.
In-play betting allows viewers to capitalise on a shift in momentum, tactical tweaks, and game state changes.
For example, if a manager sees an opposition full-back tiring and brings on a winger to target him, there is an opportunity for live bettors. These moments are more apparent to engaged viewers looking to profit from their knowledge of the game than pre-match odds.
In emerging betting markets such as the Middle East, live betting is the primary way Arab bettors engage with professional football. Many of the sportsbooks featured on comparison platform arabswin.com/en/ prioritise live betting over traditional pre-match markets.
Some operators in the Arab region claim that live betting now accounts for over half of the revenue they generate annually. This trend is replicated on other parts of the world.
Betting platforms in many other jurisdictions have also started focusing more on live markets, using statistical modelling and mobile-first experiences to cater to the demand for them.
Live betting can make the viewing experience more exciting for fans, especially if they are watching back-to-back matches for long stretches. With live betting, even the most neutral matches can feel more meaningful and engaging.
However, the emphasis should always be on entertainment. Bettors should stay disciplined, avoid chasing losses, and avoid betting on every single moment.
Understand the Tactics
Understanding some core tactical concepts, such as build-up shape, pressing styles, and blocks, can improve the World Cup viewing experience.
Brazil lit up the 2002 showpiece with their silky style, and Italy reinvented their Catenaccio approach for 2006. Germany mimicked Pep Guardiola’s possession-based system to clinch the title in 2014.
With more teams involved this summer, viewers will see everything from ultra-compact, low-defensive blocks to aggressive, gung-ho football.
Understanding how coaches plan to approach games, overload wide areas, and build out from the back can enrich the narrative around every game.
The 2026 World Cup experience will be even more enthralling if fans understand why coaches chose a particular shape, why a midfielder dropped deep between two centre-backs, and more.
For fans across the globe, this tactical awareness turns matches into shared experiences. It will encourage discussions, disagreements, and appreciation for the less-heralded aspects of football.
