Last year, IMG declared there was no “second” screen in sports, because sports should try to win the battle for both screens. Nowadays, rarely does sport have our undivided attention. We’re often using our phones while “watching” a football or basketball game, even when we’re physically there in the stadium. (This has been a phenomenon for quite some time: in 2016, there was a paper published in the Athens Journal of Sports that examined German football supporters’ habits.)
It has become such a “thing” that many fans treat their smartphone as a primary device with sport functioning more like background noise (and occasional visual when we look up). But whether you call your phone your first or second screen, what are the best apps to use while watching a game?
Brave browser
TechRadar called Brave the “browser that lets you earn as you browse”, due to its feature where you can earn cryptocurrency through privacy-respecting ads. But many users choose Brave for a simpler, albeit connected, reason: privacy.
You can download add-ons and tools to other browsers that make them more private, but those features come built-in with Brave. The makers have said simply that they’re not in the business of selling user data (unlike many other tech companies).
It lets you know exactly how many ads you would have seen on another browser, but have been blocked using Brave.
It does offer a built-in VPN but this is not part of the free service. Zapier points out that unlike free VPNs, Brave cannot sell users’ data because it doesn’t record your IP address or online activity. There’s also video conferencing software called Brave Talk, where you can make unlimited calls without creating a new account. It’s powered by Jitsi as a Service.
Betting apps
Betting apps provide real-time odds, live updates, and in-play wagering options that sync with ongoing matches. These apps often include cash-out features and notifications for key events like goals and red cards. For football fans in South Africa watching the World Cup this summer, the premium iOS betting app in South Africa will offer tailored markets for Bafana Bafana games, with quick bet placement during games in Group A.
The favourites for World Cup 2026 include Spain (winners of Euro 2024), Brazil (on a record 5 titles), Argentina (current champions), France (defeated in the last final), and England, whose last victory came exactly 60 years ago.
Some betting apps give you the option of watching the game on the app itself, though this of course depends on licensing. If you don’t mind a smaller screen (which often can’t be extended even on desktop, no matter how much you drag your browser), it can be a good option.
Stats trackers: FotMob and Flashscore
Apps dedicated to sports statistics deliver live data: player performance metrics, possession breakdowns, and expected goals (xG). They pull from official league sources for accuracy and have searchable databases for historical comparisons.
FotMob, for example, covers a huge range of competitions: for anyone interested in Brazil’s Serie C division, Chile’s Copa de la Liga, or Greece’s Super League Relegation Group, everything is included: pre-match odds, expected lineups, table, etc.
These apps let you check any questionable commentator claims and back up your arguments in group chats with stats. Of course, some fans choose to mute the commentary or choose a “stadium FX” option (depending on the channel) and get all their insight from fellow fans. Commentators like Gary Neville have been widely criticised this season for supposed bias.
Subreddits like r/soccer and r/nba host practically countless threads for match discussions, player debates, and plenty of memes if you enjoy that kind of thing. Reddit users are constantly upvoting reactions to goals and plays and managerial decisions.
For anyone who misses the constant debate during the so-called glory days of sports chat on Twitter (now X), Reddit is still going and is arguably more naturally organised for specific discussions. Keep in mind that some users prefer the web-based version of Reddit over the official app, so if you’re using a private browser, you’ve already got what you need.
Along with the main r/soccer subreddit, football fans may be interested in r/SoccerBetting, r/SoccerNerd (focusing on strategy and tactics), club subreddits like r/LiverpoolFC, and league- and tournament-specific forums like r/MLS and r/World Cup.
Anyone looking for betting tips should remember that no matter how well-informed a tipper is, the bookmaker has an edge. Bettors should use responsible gambling tools wherever possible.
