I. Introduction
The World Cup is one of the most exciting sporting events in the world, and fans everywhere are eagerly awaiting the 2018 Finals. But with so many broadcasting options available, it can be tough to know where to watch the action without breaking the bank. That’s where this guide comes in – we’ll show you the top websites to stream the World Cup for free, the best bars to catch the action, and regional options to access the games practically anywhere!
II. Top 5 Websites to Stream the World Cup 2018 Finals for Free
If you’re a fan of streaming, then this section is for you. We’ve scoured the internet for the top websites to watch the World Cup 2018 Finals online – and for free.
1. FuboTV Free Trial
FuboTV offers a free trial lasting seven days, which means fans can watch some of the World Cup games completely free. This service streams sports channels like Fox Sports 1 and 2, beIN Sports and NBC Sports Network.
Pros: Offers multiple sports channels including all World Cup games. Quick and easy free trial signup. Cons: Time limitation of the free trial period.
2. Hotstar
Hotstar is an Indian streaming service that offers a free version of their app with ads. This means anyone can watch the World Cup games at no cost. Simply download the app or watch via the website.
Pros: No subscription required. Available for free on both desktop and mobile devices. Cons: Location-specific, meaning it might not be available in certain regions.
3. ITV Hub
If you’re lucky enough to be in the UK, you’re in for a treat with ITV Hub. It’s completely free-of-charge and offers live streaming of the World Cup games. Keep in mind you will need to create an account and provide basic personal information to watch the games.
Pros: Completely free service. Contains a comprehensive range of football programmes in addition to the World Cup. Cons: Available only to UK viewers, anyone outside the UK will need a VPN in order to access it.
4. Sling TV
Sling TV offers a free three-day trial, which is plenty of time to watch some of the key matches in the World Cup. This service provides access to channels like Fox, NBC and ESPN for sports lovers.
Pros: Quick and simple to sign up. Various channel options available in the trial period. Cons: Subscription required after the end of the free trial, and no coverage of the complete World Cup event.
5. Sony Liv
Sony Liv is an Indian service that provides access to cricket games, but it also includes the World Cup 2018 games for free. Streaming in high-definition, users will enjoy the uninterrupted viewing experience.
Pros: No sign-up or subscription required. Streaming in high definition. Cons: Available only in India.
III. How to Watch 2018 World Cup for Free: A Complete Guide
Watching the World Cup for free isn’t all about streaming. This section focuses on all aspects of watching the 2018 Finals without spending a penny.
1. Access Free Trials for Sports Streaming Services
As we mentioned earlier, some of the streaming services available for the World Cup Finals come with free trial periods. Use this to your advantage by signing up for a trial with the service of your choice to enjoy the games. However, be sure to cancel your subscription before the trial period ends to avoid any charges.
2. Finding Free Broadcasts on Cable Networks
Last-minute cable subscribers will rejoice in knowing that certain cable networks are offering free access to World Cup games. Gone are the days when basic cable packages solely offered premier league matches, now packages include all World Cup games.
3. Using VPNs to Access Free Streams from Foreign Countries
As discussed earlier, certain services are location-restricted that means users in one country might not be able to access them while users in some other countries can. Using a VPN will allow you to access geo-restricted services from other countries, so you never have to miss a match.
IV. The 5 Best Bars to Watch the World Cup for Free
There’s nothing like sharing the experience of a great football match in a buzzing bar. Here are the top five bars around the world that offer free viewing of the 2018 World Cup.
1. Foley’s NY
Located in the heart of Manhattan, Foley’s NY is the perfect spot to settle down and watch the World Cup games for free. Every match is shown on various televisions throughout the bar, with food and drinks served all day.
Pros: Great food and beverage options. The lively atmosphere keeps you engrossed in the game. Cons: It’s a popular spot, so make sure you arrive early to get a good seat.
2. The Green Man Pub
The Green Man Pub is located in the heart of London and offers a lively atmosphere with fans from around the world gathering together for every match. Highlighting the importance of camaraderie in football, this pub is the perfect spot to share the experience with other like-minded fans.
Pros: Plenty of TVs to watch the games. An array of appetizers and drinks. Cons: Very crowded and limited seating available.
3. O’Brien’s Irish Pub
Situated in Prague, the O’Brien’s Irish Pub is likely to make every football fan feel at home. This Irish- themed pub offers several HDTVs that broadcast every game. Sport-loving expats and locals crowd the pub’s wooden interiors throughout the World Cup season.
Pros: Friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Drinks menu caters to those with Irish tastes. Cons: Limited seating capacity, which may mean standing at peak times.
4. Paddy O’Sheas
If you are in Beijing during the World Cup, Paddy O’Sheas has become a popular go-to spot for football enthusiasts. The pub hosts several televisions that showcase all the games, giving the ultimate World Cup experience.
Pros: Various drinks to choose from. A comfortable and friendly atmosphere. Cons: Small pub-size means less seating options.
5. The Ugly Mug
Located in the city of Cape Town in South Africa, The Ugly Mug is a bar famous for screening all World Cup 2018 games. The pub offers outdoor seating, while indoors, the game is projected on the big screen.
Pros: The outside seating area gives a perfect ‘summer’ feel. The bar is walking distance from the train station. Cons: Limited seating capacity, which means patrons may have to stand during peak-season matches.
V. The Ultimate Guide to Streaming Live Sports Online
The beauty of watching sports online is the convenience that comes with it. In this section, we’ll cover everything you need to know to stream sports online without sacrificing quality.
1. Use Specific Sports Streaming Services
There are several sports streaming services available, from FuboTV to ESPN+, offering a range of sports channels including football games. Most of these come with free trial periods, so it’s worth signing up for a free trial to take advantage of the service when the World Cup games are on.
2. Use Live TV Streaming Services
Live TV streaming services like Hulu, Sling TV, and PlayStation Vue offer different packages that include sports channels. Depending on the package you choose, you may be able to access the World Cup for free.
3. Use a VPN
If you’ve found a streaming service you want to use, but it’s not available in your country, use a VPN to get around location restrictions. A VPN will allow you to choose an IP address from a different country, giving you unlimited access to the World Cup streams.
VI. Where to Watch the World Cup Finals for Free: A Region-by-Region Breakdown
This section explores what options are available in different regions around the world for viewing the World Cup finals for free.
1. North America
All World Cup games are available in the US via Fox Sports 1 or 2, or Telemundo Deportes with the help of an outdoor antenna. Subscribers to DirecTVNow, Sling TV, or FuboTV are entitled to live streaming of all the matches.
2. Europe
In Europe, local channels such as BBC and ITV (in the UK), ARD and ZDF (in Germany), RTE (in Ireland), and France Televisions (in France) are providing live broadcasts for most of the matches.
3. Asia
You can stream the games on your mobile device via the official FIFA app or watch it through the Star network without any subscription.
4. Africa
Fans can watch the entire FIFA World Cup live on television through state-owned free national broadcaster SABC, with no subscription required.
VII. Conclusion
This guide has explored many options for watching the 2018 World Cup Finals for free. Whether you prefer online streaming, catching the matches in a buzzing bar, or enjoying the games with other football lovers around the world – we’ve got all the bases covered. We hope our suggestions have been helpful in your quest to enjoy the World Cup without breaking the bank.
