In case you weren't aware, the 2026 World Cup starts on Thursday, 11 June 2026 and culminates in the grand final on Sunday, 19 July 2026. Canada, Mexico, and the USA are hosting this tournament.
Both the BBC and ITV will be sharing coverage of the tournament, with the final shown on both channels. BBC Radio 5 Live will also be covering all matches.
From the UK, England and Scotland will be playing in the World Cup. Wales and Northern Ireland did not qualify this time. England’s first match will be on 17 June against Croatia, while Scotland’s first match, against Haiti, will air on 14 June.
When it comes to watching the big game, there’s no place like home and it’s not too late to snap up a new TV and other tech to help you watch the matches. From new TVs, soundbars, projectors and even headphones for those late-night games (thanks to the time zone, many will be playing through the night), we’ve rounded up the best of what’s worth buying to host the games in style.
Best TV deals for World Cup 2026
During a tense game, the last thing you need is poor picture quality during penalties (let’s face it, there will be a shootout at some point!). A 4K TV has around four times as many pixels as a Full HD TV, so look out for screens that have this in the description.
Best 4K TVs under £400
You don't need to spend thousands of pounds to get a good performing TV. Some of Amazon's newest Fire TV launches are 4K and screen sizes start from 43 inches.
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There's currently heavy discounts on the ranges too, including 40% off the Amazon Ember 43" 4-Series with Fire TV, reduced from £429.99 to £259.99. This device includes the ability to stream BBC iPlayer and ITV, which are both showing the matches. You'll also be able to stream BBC Radio 5 Live through BBC Sounds with this device.
LG 43QNED80A6A 43-Inch 4K UHD Smart TV
Elsewhere, this 43-inch LG TV also offers 4K resolution and is currently selling for £317, down 13% on Amazon.
It's worth noting that Argos has free delivery on selected TVs for a limited time only, saving you the bother of lugging it back from the shops.
Best soundbars under £250
You can get soundbars across a huge spectrum of prices, so you can be assured that there will be an option to suit your budget.
Whether you have an Amazon TV or not, the Fire TV Soundbar Plus offers seamless connectivity via Bluetooth, so all you need to worry about is plugging the main device into the mains.
Cleverly, the audio has different settings depending on what you’re watching: sport mode, film mode, music mode, and night mode. These modes adjust the surround sound and base levels accordingly – great for enhancing the atmosphere on those big footy matches.
Digital Spy’s Helen Pike has one at home and is so used to the rich sound, she can’t go back to watching TV without.
The soundbar is currently available for £250, but is often subject to discount on big Amazon sale events including Prime Day, which is coming up at the end of the month.
On the other end of the price spectrum is this option for under £50 from Majority, stocked at Amazon. Smaller in size than the Fire TV Soundbar, you can discreetly wall-mount or place in front of your TV while revelling in the full-bodied sound it produces.
Best projectors for World Cup 2026
Want to go bigger than your typical TV screen? This is where a projector comes in. With both indoor and outdoor options available, it's the ultimate way to entertain a crowd and ensure no-one misses a crucial moment during the match.
The latest we've tested is the Epson Lifestudio Pop, a mid-priced option which has a maximum projection size of 150 inches and 700 Lumens, which adjust to the brightness in your living room, so you won't need to deal with any glare on screen.
You can read the full review in our best indoor and outdoor projectors round-up and snap the device up at Amazon.
Best smart speakers for World Cup 2026
If you've not got the chance to watch it, you can still listen! BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds will be airing every match, and what better way to experience it than through a smart speaker?
The new Amazon Echo Dot Max is currently available for under £100, and its sound capabilities are far bigger than the original Echo Dot, which is being phased out. You can find the full round-up of Echo devices available here.
Best headphones for World Cup 2026
Many of the World Cup matches take place overnight, with kick-off for selected games at times including midnight, 2am, 3am and 5am. If switching on the soundbar at that hour isn't an option or you're watching on the go, it's worth considering a decent pair of headphones, including many under £80.
Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds
This in-ear set, a favourite with Digital Spy's Helen Pike, is frequently discounted on Amazon, this time by a generous 40%. With comfortable cushioned buds and wireless functioning, you can settle back and relax without being restricted by any cables. There's a long battery life on them too, so you won't be caught out mid game. They're currently on sale for £18.
If you prefer over-ear headphones, this pair from JBL are only marginally more expensive, available at a very reasonable £23. A 57-hour battery life, Bluetooth connectivity and foldable design means this is a reliable purchase that will be used again and again beyond the tournament.
