…Unveils six smart ways to follow game
By Kingsley Samuel
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to captivate football fans around the world, Google has unveiled a suite of digital tools designed to transform smartphones into personalised matchday hubs, giving supporters instant access to scores, analysis, navigation and immersive fan experiences.
Powered by Google Search, Maps, Waze and the company’s artificial intelligence platform, Gemini, the features are aimed at helping fans stay connected to every moment of the tournament, whether they are watching from home, commuting or gathering with fellow supporters.
According to Google, the tools combine real-time information, AI-powered insights and personalised recommendations to create a more engaging World Cup experience.
One of the key features enables fans to follow their favourite teams and matches directly through Google Search and receive live updates on their smartphone lock screens.
The service provides instant access to scores, line-ups, standings and match notifications, ensuring supporters never miss important moments during the competition.
Google said the feature is particularly useful for fans who may not be able to watch every match live but still want to stay updated on developments as they happen.
To deepen fan engagement, the company has also enhanced Search with AI Mode, allowing users to ask detailed questions about football tactics, player statistics, team performance and tournament rules.
“Whether you’re trying to understand a team’s formation, compare players or learn more about a specific rule, AI Mode can provide detailed insights in seconds,” Google said.
Beyond scores and analysis, Google Maps is helping fans find places to watch the action. Through its “Ask Maps” feature, users can discover sports bars, viewing centres and other football-friendly venues based on location, reviews and personal preferences.
For supporters travelling to matches or public viewing events, Google Maps and Waze offer real-time navigation assistance, including traffic conditions, road closures and alternative routes. Waze users can also keep track of live scores while their vehicles are stationary.
Google has further expanded Gemini’s capabilities through Scheduled Actions, a feature that allows users to receive customised football briefings focused on their preferred teams, players and tournament developments.
The company said the feature enables fans to stay informed without having to constantly search for updates throughout the day.
Adding a creative touch to the tournament experience, Gemini’s image-generation capability allows users to create football-themed visuals, including images of themselves celebrating goals in packed stadiums or wearing their national team’s colours.
Completing the package is Gemini’s Matchday Hub, a dedicated interface that brings together live scores, standings, highlights, statistics, videos and images in one place, offering fans a comprehensive overview of tournament action as it unfolds.
According to Google, the new features demonstrate how artificial intelligence and digital technologies are reshaping the way people engage with major sporting events.
“With these tools, fans can stay informed, connected and immersed in the World Cup experience wherever they are,” the company said.
As the world’s biggest football tournament continues to deliver drama and excitement, Google’s latest innovations are ensuring that every smartphone can serve as a personal matchday companion, putting the World Cup experience directly into the hands of fans.
