The FIFA 2026 World Cup is currently ongoing, bringing another season of excitement, unforgettable highlights and fierce competition among players and fans all over the world.
While millions of supporters could secure tickets months ago to experience the World Cup live across stadiums in Mexico, the U.S and Canada, the reality is that most football lovers will be following the tournament from home.
This is especially true in football-loving countries like Nigeria, where the passion for the sport is enormous, but travelling to another country for a World Cup remains difficult for many.
Thankfully, technology has changed everything. Unlike in the 1990s, when football fans relied largely on television broadcasts or radio commentary, today’s football fans have more options than ever to stay connected to every match.
Now we have Smart TVs, streaming devices, tablets and affordable 5G phones to make it possible to stay connected anywhere.
However, enjoying the World Cup in Nigeria still depends on the kind of device you choose and the streaming options.
If you are planning to stay connected to every goal scored this World Cup season, here is a list of some of the best devices to consider.
TV Streaming Sticks: Google TV Streamer and Amazon Fire TV Stick
Price: Starting from N50,000 (Depends on the model)
One of the easiest ways to improve your football-viewing experience without replacing your television is with a streaming stick.
These compact devices, resembling USB flash drives, can be plugged directly into your TV’s HDMI slot and instantly transform even older TVs into smart ones. For around N50,000, users can access streaming platforms, apps and live sports services without needing to purchase another television.
Amazon’s Fire TV Stick is one of the most popular streaming gadgets out there. The device offers access to multi-streaming services, Amazon’s Alexa, and delivers a smooth performance for live sports.
On the other hand, Google’s streaming platform is currently becoming more attractive to sports fans, because beyond the standard streaming experience, Google has improved how live sports are presented across its ecosystem.
The platform just added a dedicated section for the FIFA World Cup that makes it easier to discover live matches, check highlights and tournament updates. For anyone already using Google’s ecosystem through Android smartphones, Chromecast or Google services, the experience feels particularly seamless and needs no learning.
Smartphone of the Season: Xiaomi Redmi 15C 5G
Price: N165,000 – N180,000
The truth is, for many Nigerians, their smartphones will remain the primary way to view the World Cup tournament.
This is why the Xiaomi Redmi 15C stands out as the most practical device for this tournament. This is why.
Firstly the phone comes with large 6.9’ display which is very suitable for media consumption. For watching the World Cup live this extra smooth 120Hz display is a great advantage.
The 5G support and battery size in this device are also advantages. With a 6000mAh battery capacity and 5G connectivity, it offers tremendous value for anyone planning to stream multiple matches every week.
There are alternatives in the market with better specs and premium features, including devices such as the Realme C100 series. However, these devices cost far more, often exceeding N350,000, unlike the Redmi 15C 5G that goes for less than N200,000.
The Redmi 15C 5G therefore strikes a balance between affordability, battery life and connectivity.
Best Smart TV of the Season: TCL 32-Inch QLED Smart Google TV (32S5K)
Price: N130,000 – N150,000
If you prefer watching football on a larger screen, alone or with family, fewer options currently offer as much value as TCL’s 32-inch QLED Smart Google TV. As the second biggest TV brand only behind Samsung Electronics, the company’s experience in delivering quality is evident in this model.
The QLED display is where it shines. Despite its affordable pricing, this TV offers impressive picture quality that helps matches look sharp and immersive.
Since the TV runs Google’s smart TV platform, users also benefit from access to major streaming services too. They can also use voice controls and a familiar interface that Android users can easily get used to.
For the best possible experience, pairing this television with a Google TV Streamer or Fire TV Stick can unlock even more streaming flexibility and sports-focused features.
Tablet of the Season: Samsung Galaxy Tab A11
Price: Around N200,000
Not everyone likes watching football on their smartphones. And also not everyone has a large TV. This is the point where the tablet becomes the perfect choice.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A11 stands out as one of the most attractive gadgets to choose for World Cup viewing thanks to its larger display, comfortable viewing angles and Samsung’s proven software experience.
Compared to a smartphone, the wider screen makes it easier to follow match action. It is also a more enjoyable option for multitasking between social media and live streaming.
What makes the Tab A11 a bit limiting is the absence of 5G support on the standard variant. However, Samsung’s reputation for durability and long-term software support means this tablet could remain relevant for years. There is even a high chance of it being functional even in the next World Cup.
The FIFA 2026 World Cup is expected to be one of the most watched sporting events in modern history, and thanks to modern technology, we can enjoy the tournament without travelling thousands of kilometres to North America.
Whether you go for a streaming stick, an affordable 5G phone, a dedicated smart TV or tablet, the good news is that there are now more ways to stream the World Cup in Nigeria.
