The best apps for sports fans across the UK in 2026
Picture this: It’s a crisp Saturday morning in 2026 and you’re in the UK. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and sports fans are loading up on apps.
They’re cramming their phones with every imaginable app to make sure they’re fully set up for the long weekend of sport ahead. From superfast live scores and all-encompassing analytics to watch parties and fan communities, there’s an app for every way in which fans like to follow their sports.
We want to give you a flavour of this world in this article. We’re shining a light on the best apps that UK sports fans are turning to in 2026.
We’re talking dynamic, up-to-the-minute updates and reliable, user-friendly interfaces. We’re talking smart, interactive features that make it feel like your smartphone is part of the game-day fun.
BBC Sport
If you’re a British fan, there’s a good chance you already know about BBC Sport. In 2026, it’s a staple that many of us automatically open up when we fire up our devices each morning.
It’s an app that has been built over many years, and it’s polished, comprehensive and more customisable than ever before. The key with BBC Sport is that you can trust it, and that’s precisely why it’s a traditional staple for the UK sports fan.
It delivers real-time scores, but it also gives in-depth news and reporting on everything from football and rugby to Formula One and cricket. You can get a quick result, but you can also jump into features and analysis.
You even see other iGaming-related news pop up on here from time to time. Whether it be the best
online casinos sites in Ireland or simple betting tips and tricks for beginners, BBC Sport is a great choice for anyone who loves both sports betting and online casinos.
The news feed is simple to customise, so you can choose to follow your teams and competitions. Its users love it because it’s fast, it’s comprehensive and it never feels cluttered or spammy. It’s everyman’s option, which makes it the go-to UK homepage for sport.
FotMob
When it comes to football, FotMob is an app that fans in the UK talk about a lot. In fact, we’re pretty sure we’ll see it in the top three apps that UK sports fans use most often.
The reason is because FotMob is constantly being raved about by users. It has some of the fastest match updates and some of the most in-depth details you could possibly want. In short, you don’t just get the scores; you get lineups, real-time updates, player information and even audio commentary for most games.
Users love it because you can follow multiple leagues and competitions at the same time – so you can have the Premier League in one window and the lower leagues in another. The menus are simple, and you can customise how you’re notified of certain key moments. Whether you want to know about a last-minute winner or a big substitution, you can get FotMob to alert you. If you’re a UK football fan, this is probably one of your top five apps.
Sky Sports
Sky Sports is something that British fans have always associated with premium sports content. In 2026, this app is an extension of the sports broadcaster’s whole universe.
Fans are choosing it because it has a wealth of content to explore. If you want to watch live video, it’s probably your best bet (subject to your subscription, of course). There are all the scores and news you’d expect, but you can also go beyond this. You have access to highlights and expert analysis, as well as podcasts that are custom-built to cover major events.
Over the years, Sky has improved its app navigation. It’s a lot more user-friendly now, and it’s also a lot easier to jump from sport to sport. From football to golf, from cricket or boxing to the latest rugby news, there’s something for every fan on Sky. And given its connection to live TV sports, you can also expect to find high-quality embedded video highlights and features on its biggest matches and athletes.
LiveScore
LiveScore is an app that has been around for a long time, which makes it a strong competitor. These days, there are many live score apps on the market, but LiveScore has maintained its position because it does exactly what it says on the tin.
Fans love LiveScore because it’s fast and simple. It offers real-time results from thousands of competitions, all done in a way that’s instantly accessible. There are no frills, no fluff, just a speed-focused app that users have come to depend on. If you’re a fan who just wants to keep track of as many matches as possible, this is the app for you. There are no bells and whistles, so there’s nothing to distract or confuse you.
SofaScore
We know plenty of sports fans who don’t just want to know who won. They want to understand exactly how and why. And for this niche but growing audience, SofaScore is just the app.
SofaScore is a treasure trove of stats and information. In 2026, these tools have become even more robust for users to enjoy. The app’s interface presents a wide range of in-game and behind-the-scenes data in a way that’s easy to understand. You can explore heat maps, player ratings, expected goals and even some video analysis.
If you’re an analytical fan and you like to delve deep, this app can turn a casual pastime into a serious study. Plus, the tools are as good as any that you’ll find the pros using, so you know it’s for everyone and not just the sports analysts.
Apps that aren’t just for scores
It’s also worth noting that there are more all-encompassing apps that are doing a bit of everything, whether it’s the community and prediction features of apps like SportsHero, or even multisport streaming services like DAZN that are offering live football, MMA, darts and more in the palm of your hand.
The fact is that the sports app space in 2026 for the UK is more crowded than ever, and there’s something for every fan of every team. Plus, keep in mind that many of us are likely to use more than one app, whether to make sure all bases are covered or simply to experience different takes on our favourite teams and sports.
Conclusion
In 2026, it has never been easier for UK sports fans to follow their favourite games. Whether you want to check scores on the go or kick back and watch the whole season in one sitting, there’s an app that works for you.
From BBC Sport’s trusted reporting or FotMob’s exhaustive details, and from Sky Sports’ premium content to Apple’s smooth integration, these apps help you enjoy sports in your own way. Apps are more than just information; they are companions on your journey, and they’ll help you maintain your passion for sport.
Plus, as apps themselves get even smarter in the future, we’ll all be able to experience sports like never before.