Choosing the ideal TV for football fans in 2025.

Buying the perfect TV for viewing the World Cup: A complete guide

The World Cup is a spectacle that deserves to be experienced with clarity, vibrancy and immersive sound. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or a casual viewer, buying the right television can significantly enhance your World Cup experience.

From screen resolution to refresh rate, sound systems to connectivity, there are many factors to consider when choosing the ideal TV. This guide offers a comprehensive, technically sound overview to help you make an informed purchase.

Screen size: Bigger isn’t always better

One of the first things people consider when buying a new TV is the size. While a larger screen can make football matches feel more cinematic, it’s essential to balance size with your viewing distance and room dimensions. The ideal screen size depends on how far you sit from the television. A common recommendation is to multiply the screen height by 1.5 to 2.5 to find the optimal viewing distance in inches.

For example:

A 55-inch TV is ideal for viewing distances of about 6.5 to 9 feet.
A 65-inch TV suits a range of 8 to 11 feet.

Avoid going too large in a small space, as it may cause eye fatigue. For most average-sized living rooms, 55 to 65 inches is a sweet spot for World Cup viewing.

Resolution: 4K is the new standard

Resolution determines the sharpness and clarity of the image. Today, 4K Ultra HD is the standard for new televisions, offering four times the resolution of Full HD (1080p). It allows you to see more detail in the players, pitch and even the fans in the crowd.

Although the World Cup may not be broadcast in native 4K in all countries, modern TVs upscale HD signals to 4K, improving image quality. For future-proofing and the best viewing experience, choose a TV with 4K resolution at a minimum. If your budget allows, 8K TVs exist, but the lack of native 8K content makes them unnecessary for most viewers right now.

Refresh rate: Smooth motion matters

Football is a fast-paced sport, and a high refresh rate ensures the action stays smooth. Measured in hertz (Hz), the refresh rate tells you how many frames per second your TV can display. A 60Hz refresh rate is standard, but a 120Hz TV is highly recommended for sports.

A 120Hz refresh rate reduces motion blur, making it easier to follow the ball and player movements. Some TVs also use motion interpolation or black frame insertion to simulate higher refresh rates, but native 120Hz performance delivers the best results.

HDR support: Brighter highlights, deeper shadows

High Dynamic Range (HDR) enhances the contrast and colour range of your TV. It makes bright scenes brighter, dark scenes darker, and colours more realistic. For football matches, this means more lifelike grass, better contrast in players’ kits, and better visibility during night matches or stadium shadows.

Look for TVs that support multiple HDR formats, especially HDR10 and Dolby Vision. These formats offer dynamic metadata, which adjusts colour and brightness scene-by-scene for optimal viewing.

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Panel type: OLED vs QLED vs LED

The type of panel used in the TV affects picture quality, contrast, and viewing angles. Here are the main types:

OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode)

Offers perfect blacks, excellent contrast and wide viewing angles. Ideal for dark rooms. However, OLEDs can be more expensive and may be susceptible to burn-in over time.

QLED (Quantum Dot LED)

Developed by Samsung, QLED TVs offer brighter images and better colour volume than standard LED TVs. They perform well in bright rooms.

LED (Light Emitting Diode)

Typically the most affordable option. While not as advanced as OLED or QLED, many LED TVs still offer great value, especially with full-array local dimming and advanced image processors.

If budget permits, OLED provides the most immersive football experience. For larger screens or brighter rooms, QLED may be a more practical choice.

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Viewing angles: Consider the crowd

World Cup matches are often social events. If you expect to watch games with family or friends, you need a TV with good off-axis viewing. OLED TVs perform best here, maintaining colour and contrast even when viewed from the side.

Many LED and QLED TVs lose brightness and colour fidelity at wider angles. If you’re choosing one of these, look for models with IPS panels or technologies aimed at improving viewing angles.

Sound quality: Hear the roar of the crowd

Built-in TV speakers have improved, but they still lack the depth and clarity of a dedicated sound system. Stadium ambience, crowd chants, and commentary are crucial to the World Cup experience.

If you’re not investing in a soundbar or home theatre system, at least choose a TV with Dolby Atmos support or AI-powered audio enhancement. These features create virtual surround sound that makes matches more engaging.

A compact soundbar with a subwoofer is a worthwhile addition, especially if your TV’s built-in audio is weak. Look for brands like Sonos, Samsung, or LG for plug-and-play upgrades.

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Smart features: Stream matches with ease

Streaming platforms increasingly hold rights to World Cup matches. Make sure your TV has smart features that support the necessary apps, such as FIFA+, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Peacock, or ESPN, depending on your location.

TVs running on platforms like Google TV, Tizen (Samsung), or webOS (LG) offer a broad range of apps, voice control, and fast navigation. Choose a model with at least 2GB RAM and a quad-core processor to ensure snappy performance during streaming or app switching.

Connectivity: Ports and inputs matter

Make sure your TV has enough HDMI 2.1 ports to connect a streaming device, gaming console, soundbar, or any additional gear. HDMI 2.1 supports higher refresh rates and better audio-video sync.

If you’re planning to use a streaming stick or set-top box, also look for USB ports, Wi-Fi 6 support, and Bluetooth compatibility. An Ethernet port is handy for wired internet, which offers more stable streaming during live events.

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Energy efficiency: Stay cool during extra time

With long matches and multiple replays, your TV could be running for hours. Energy-efficient models help reduce electricity bills. Look for TVs with Energy Star certification or power-saving modes.

OLEDs are generally more power-efficient for darker scenes, while LEDs may draw more power overall. Modern TVs usually include settings to auto-dim the screen when idle or switch off when not in use.

Budget and brand reliability

Premium brands like LG, Samsung, and Sony lead the market in visual and audio quality. TCL and Hisense offer excellent mid-range options that balance cost and performance. Vizio and Philips are worth considering in regions where they’re available.

Set a realistic budget and prioritise the features that matter most. For the average viewer, a 55-inch 4K QLED with HDR10+ and a 120Hz refresh rate delivers an exceptional World Cup experience without breaking the bank.

Final thoughts

The World Cup only comes once every four years, but a good television can serve you well far beyond the final whistle. Investing in a TV with the right balance of size, resolution, refresh rate and smart features ensures you won’t miss a moment whether it’s a last-minute goal, a thrilling penalty shootout, or a controversial VAR decision.

Before buying, read verified user reviews, compare models side-by-side, and check if retailers offer extended warranties or World Cup-themed promotions. With the right setup, your home can become the ultimate football viewing venue.

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