The FIFA World Cup 2026 is here, spread across North America, and you do not want to miss a single goal. The good news is that the tools to follow every match are already on your phone. Google just made Search, Maps, Waze, and Gemini smarter for soccer fans.
This easy guide walks you through all four Google World Cup tools, in plain steps, so you can catch live scores, find your way to a match, and even put yourself in your team’s jersey. Let us dive in.
The 4 Tools at a Glance
Short on time? Here is what each Google tool does for the World Cup.
| Google Tool | What It Helps You Do |
| Search | See live scores, lineups, standings, and brackets, and pin a match to your lock screen |
| AI Mode in Search | Ask deep questions about rules and teams, and get interactive visual answers |
| Maps and Waze | Beat traffic to the stadium, view it in Street View, and find a viewing party |
| Gemini app | Get a visual matchday hub, daily news briefings, and put yourself in the action |
1. Get Live Scores Instantly on Google Search
The simplest tool is the one you use every day. As Google explained on its official blog, a quick search now shows rich, real-time match info.
Just search for a team or match, like Mexico vs South Africa. You will then see the live score, lineups, standings, brackets, stories, and social posts in one place.
How to Pin a Match to Your Lock Screen
The best trick is following a match so live updates appear on your phone’s lock screen. Here is how.
- Search for the match or team you want to follow on Google.
- Tap the option to follow that match or team.
- Allow notifications if your phone asks.
- Watch the live score appear on your iOS or Android lock screen before and after each game.
Quick Tip: Following your team is the easiest way to never miss a result. The score lands right on your lock screen, so you do not even need to open an app.
2. Ask Anything With AI Mode in Search
Want to understand the game more deeply? AI Mode in Search can answer tricky soccer questions in simple terms.
You can ask about rules, players, teams, and tactics. For example, ask it to explain different soccer formations and when a coach would use each one. It can even build an interactive visual made just for your question.
- Ask complex questions about rules, players, and teams in plain language.
- Request interactive visuals, like a tactics board, tailored to what you asked.
- Use its booking help to find and reserve match tickets.
Worth Knowing: These interactive visual answers are available now for AI Mode Pro and Ultra subscribers. Google says they will roll out to everyone in Search this summer, free of charge.
3. Beat the Traffic With Maps and Waze
Heading to a match, or just to a friend’s place to watch? Google Maps and Waze have you covered on game day.
Find Your Way to the Stadium
- Maps and Waze show live traffic, road closures, pedestrian zones, and transit routes.
- Updated Street View lets you preview many host stadiums before you arrive.
- On Waze, you can now glance at live match scores whenever your car is stopped.
Find a Viewing Party Near You
No ticket? No problem. You can ask Google Maps to find a spot to watch with other fans.
- Open Google Maps and use the Ask Maps feature.
- Type a natural request, like find me a reservation for 4 at 7:30 pm to watch the World Cup.
- Pick from the suggested bars or restaurants showing the match.
Heads Up: Always check the venue is actually showing the match before you go. Ask Maps is helpful, but a quick call to confirm saves a wasted trip on a busy match night.
4. Go Further With the Gemini App
For the biggest fans, the Gemini app turns matchday into something special. It can pull live match info and even put you in the game.
Your Visual Matchday Hub
Gemini can now reference live soccer games and news, giving you the latest scores, highlights, and standings. For many topics, it turns plain text answers into a visual hub with stats, images, and videos.
Put Yourself in Your Team’s Jersey
This is the fun one. New Nano Banana templates let you drop your own photo into a soccer scene, wearing your country’s colors. Here is how to try it.
- Open the Gemini app and go to the new Images tab.
- Tap the plus button, then choose Create image.
- Pick a soccer template, like celebrating in a stadium or making a diving save.
- Upload your photo and let Gemini place you in the scene in your team’s jersey.
Get a Daily Soccer Briefing
If you subscribe to Gemini Plus, Pro, or Ultra, you can set up an automatic daily soccer digest.
- Open Settings inside the Gemini app.
- Go to Scheduled actions.
- Choose the soccer news digest template.
- Customize it for your teams and players, then pick when you want it each day.
Quick Tip: A morning briefing is perfect during a busy tournament. You wake up to scores and news for your favorite teams, with no scrolling required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I See Live World Cup Scores on Google
Just search for a team or match on Google, such as a specific game, and you will see live scores, lineups, standings, and brackets. You can also follow a match or team to pin live updates to your iOS or Android lock screen.
Can I Get World Cup Score Updates on My Lock Screen
Yes. Search for the match or team on Google and choose to follow it. Once you allow notifications, live scores appear on your phone’s lock screen before and after each game, so you stay updated without opening any app.
What Can AI Mode in Search Do for the World Cup
AI Mode can answer detailed questions about rules, players, teams, and tactics in plain language. It can also create interactive visuals tailored to your question, and help you book match tickets, all from the Search experience.
Does Waze Show Live World Cup Scores
Yes. For the first time, Waze can show live match scores at a glance whenever your car is stopped. Alongside that, both Waze and Google Maps provide live traffic, road closures, and transit routes to help you reach the stadium.
How Do I Find a World Cup Viewing Party on Google Maps
Open Google Maps and use the Ask Maps feature. Type a natural request, such as finding a reservation for a group to watch the match. Maps will then suggest nearby bars and restaurants showing the game where you can meet other fans.
What Are Nano Banana Templates in Gemini
Nano Banana templates are fun image scenes in the Gemini app. They let you add your own photo into a soccer moment, wearing your country’s colors. You can picture yourself celebrating in a stadium or making a dramatic save on the goal line.
How Do I Set Up a Daily Soccer Briefing in Gemini
If you have Gemini Plus, Pro, or Ultra, open Settings, go to Scheduled actions, and pick the soccer news digest template. You can customize it for your teams and players and choose what time you receive your daily update.
Are These Google World Cup Features Free
Many are free, like live scores on Search, Maps and Waze navigation, and following matches. Some features currently need a subscription, such as AI Mode interactive visuals and the Gemini daily digest. Google plans to expand free access this summer.
