Michael Grothaus 18/06/2018 - 11:42am

Keep up with the biggest football match in the world right on your phone!

The 2018 World Cup kicks off today in Russia and runs until July 15.

During that time we’ll see 32 teams battle it out in the tournament that will determine who is the best in the world.

If you’re on the millions who would love to get over to Russia to catch the games but can’t there’s at least some good news: there are plenty of apps that make following the World Cup easy no matter where you are.

There are A LOT of games during the tournament and because of this there is likely to be clashes. But if you DO miss a game, it doesn’t matter too much – as you can follow the action on your phone.

Ahead of the World Cup, we decided to find some of the best World Cup apps. The best of which are included below. They’re all free, easy to use, and provide plenty of data.

We’ve scoured the app stores and chosen the six best ones.

2018 FIFA World Cup Russia (free)


This is the official FIFA app of the World Cup. It’s got some nice tools, like the full match schedule and a button that with one tap will add any game to your Calendar. The app also features breaking news, photos, and videos from all the matches. Best of all, it’s free.

Download for iOS and Android

World Cup App: Russia 2018 (free)


This third-party app has a great interface that lets you get to the information you want to know quickly. The app offers a calendar of all the matches adjusted to your local time; instant access to all the latest football news in 6 languages; information on the 32 countries’ teams including match calendars, flags, players, and national anthems; and live results with push notifications.

Download for iOS

BBC Sport (free)


BBC Sport is hands down one of the best all-around sporting apps in the App Store. For the World Cup, the BBC has created a dedicated tournament section that has some pretty cool features. The app will provide live match coverage for the matches BBC has the rights to show (about 32 in total) and will offer recaps of every match when they are over. Of course, the app will also provide live text commentary and have plenty of clips and photos to show you. Another nice feature is push notifications, so you can be notified every time your team scores a goal.

Download for iOS and Android

ITV Hub (free)


ITV is the other UK network that has the rights to show the World Cup. They’ll show the matches the BBC doesn’t–so about 32 in total. As with the BBC app, you’ll be able to watch matches and highlights–as well as get all the scores and latest information through the official ITV Hub app.

Download for iOS and Android

ESPN (free)


This is ESPN’s official app. It’s got an awesome number of features. If you’re in the US, doing this will allow you to access video highlights, but those of us on this side of the pond are out of luck. Still, the app does provide a ton of nice features. I love the chronological layout of the match schedules and ESPN always has some of the best commentators around, which this app lets you easily follow.

Download for iOS and Android

EA SPORTS FIFA 18 Companion (free)

 

If you’re sick of just reading about the World Cup or following along with on your phone, the FIFA 18 game by EA Sports might just give you the release you need. This is the companion app to the game, which is officially licensed with national teams and kits. It’s a crazily addictive game thanks to good touch controls and fluid camera movements. This companion app allows you to manage and build your teams when on the go. Though the app is free, it’s got a ton of in-app purchases, however, so be warned.

Download for iOS and Android