Apple has released a significant update for its Apple Sports app, expanding support to seven new soccer leagues across Asia and Europe. The launch comes just one day after the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where Argentina defeated Spain. The update, labeled version 4.2, also introduces formation viewing for most leagues, making it easier to see starting lineups at a glance.
New leagues available from J1 League to Scottish Premiership
With the latest app version, users can now follow competitions such as the Belgian Pro League, the Danish Superliga, the Eredivisie (Netherlands), the J1 League (Japan), the Ekstraklasa (Poland), the Scottish Premiership, and the Swiss Super League. This expansion aligns with Apple's strategy to cover the most popular leagues globally, adding to the already existing European top flights and Major League Soccer.
Sponsored Protocol
Formations now visible across most leagues
A standout feature in this release is the ability to view team formations for the majority of supported leagues. Tapping on a match displays the tactical lineup, a detail that simplifies pre-game preparation. This capability was previously limited to certain tournaments but is now widely available, enhancing the overall user experience. For soccer enthusiasts, this puts Apple Sports on par with dedicated apps like The Score or ESPN.
Timely update following World Cup frenzy
The timing is strategic: the 2026 FIFA World Cup generated massive global attention, and Apple is capitalizing on the peak interest. The final between Argentina and Spain drew record viewership, likely driving new downloads of Apple Sports. Now, with additional Asian and European leagues, the app becomes a go-to hub for fans worldwide. For users in the Apple ecosystem, updates like this integrate seamlessly with other features, such as the automatic episode downloads in the Apple TV app, recently introduced in iOS 27 beta 4 (read the related article).
Sponsored Protocol
iPhone-only app with version 4.2 rolling out
Apple Sports remains exclusive to iPhone, with no iPad or Mac version currently available. The 4.2 update is rolling out globally and should reach all users in the coming days. To download, simply check the App Store for the latest version. Originally launched only in the United States, the app has since expanded to many countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom. For more details on supported leagues, you can refer to the Wikipedia page for Apple Sports.
Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/20/apple-sports-app-gets-more-soccer-leagues
