The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on June 11 and runs until July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. To mark the event, Samsung is turning Galaxy phones into live match companions with new lock screen and Always-On Display animations. Through an update to its One UI system, the Now Bar on Galaxy devices will react to key moments during matches.
Your phone will share in your World Cup celebrations
In the new version of the Always On Display app (v8.9.36.23), Samsung added hidden animation assets that trigger during specific sports moments. These animations are linked to Google Sports data, so your phone detects match events.
When a goal is being scored or a red card being issued, the Now Bar system detects it on compatible Galaxy phones. The lock screen then plays a corresponding animation directly on top of or within the Now Bar interface.
Read: World Cup 2026: Best Apps for Scores, Stats and Fantasy
Android Authority found three animations. The first one is a celebratory effect with confetti falling down the screen. The second is a football flying into the goal net. The third is a red-card alert that appears when a player is sent off.
To see them, update the AOD app from the Galaxy Store and enable Now Bar in Settings under Lock Screen and AOD. Then allow sports updates through Google Discover. The feature is still in a testing phase and may not be available for everyone yet.
Viewing options and innovations ahead of the event
FIFA has a tool on its website that lets you select your country and see TV channels and streaming services licensed to broadcast World Cup coverage in your region. FOX, Peacock, ITVX, SBS and SBS On Demand, and TSN and RDS are but a few channels to mention worldwide.
Read: World Cup 2026: How to Watch 70+ Matches Completely Free
With millions of fans expected to travel, stream matches, upload videos, and stay connected throughout the tournament, it's a period to be alert for deals. T-Mobile, for example, has announced a new AI-powered Dynamic CX technology ahead of the tournament.
Built specifically for large-scale live events and high-density environments, Dynamic CX builds on T-Mobile’s intelligent Self-Organizing Network (SON) technology, which continuously monitors and optimizes network performance. Dynamic CX also uses AI to help identify potential mass gatherings — from major sporting events and concerts to festivals and community celebrations — by analyzing publicly available event information, schedules and online activity.
T-Mobile.
It helps T-Mobile's network detect sudden spikes in traffic during major events. It also prepares resources in advance that will continuously adjust performance in near real time as demand changes throughout the day.
The carrier says it upgraded the mobile network around stadiums, fan zones, airports, transit hubs, and surrounding infrastructure in host cities across the United States to handle more simultaneous users. International visitors will also have access to eSIM-based connectivity options on compatible devices.
The host cities include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, the New York/New Jersey region, Philadelphia, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle.
Read: World Cup 2026 Schedule: All 104 Matches With US and UK Kickoff Times
