The complete What Hi-Fi? guide to World Cup 2018

...with France meeting Croatia in the final on Sunday 15th July. And with much of the 2018 tournament being broadcast in Ultra HD 4K for the first time, it's an exciting time for TV tech and sports fans alike.

So if you're looking for last minute TV deals, wondering exactly how to watch the rest of the World Cup in 4K on BBC iPlayer, need tips on perfecting your home cinema in time for the all-important final, or simply want some new music to soundtrack your World Cup 2018, we've put together a bunch of advice, deals and features to keep you company for the last few days of international football.

How to watch...

How to watch the World Cup final - TV, 4K, online, mobile, VR

Whether you're enjoying it at home on your decked-out system, sneakily (or openly) watching it at work or trying to follow the highlights on your smartphone, there are many ways to follow the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia. Here's our guide to how you can catch all the action, including the grand final in Ultra HD 4K.

4K BBC iPlayer: How to watch the World Cup in Ultra HD on iPlayer

The news we were waiting for. The BBC is broadcasting 29 FIFA World Cup games in Ultra HD 4K and HDR/HLG on iPlayer (finally!), but you'll need the right TV and a speedy internet connection. It's also first come, first served - so here's how you can get ready to be one of the lucky ones.

6 key facts about BBC's iPlayer 4K World Cup broadcasts

Why won't everyone be able to watch the World Cup 4K broadcast on iPlayer? How is the BBC working on its 4K trials? We explore the latest news on the broadcaster’s technological footing and future 4K TV plans.

Yes, you can watch the 2018 World Cup in 8K...

...but only if you live in Brazil and can get to Rio de Janeiro’s Museu de Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow). Through an intricate process spanning three continents and a collaboration between satellite operator Intelsat and Brazilian broadcaster Globo, the 8K streams (7680 x 4320 resolution) are being shown as part of an exhibition at the science museum. There’s still time to book tickets to Rio if you want to watch the final in glorious 8K…

From AM to 4K: how the FIFA World Cup has been broadcast

Like the fondly remembered Nigeria kit for the tournament, let's get a little retro. With 2018 promising to show the World Cup in the most technologically advanced and varied way yet, we take a look at how the tournament has been broadcast throughout the last 88 years.

System requirements

Nothing like a big sporting event to give you the excuse to buy a brand new TV or spruce up the home cinema, is there? But with so much choice out there, which TV should you get? Need a hand in deciding what the best combination of kits is? Have a new system but need advice on how to get the best out of it? We're here and happy to help.

TV Buying Guide: How to choose the right TV for you

What TV screen size should you get? Do you need a Full HD or 4K HDR TV? LCD or OLED? We've got all the tips you need to pick the perfect TV for your home.

Best World Cup TV and home cinema systems

There's still time to score a brand-spanking-new home cinema system. Here are four systems to suit all kinds of living rooms and budgets.

How to set up your TV for the World Cup

Should you turn the sports mode on your TV on? Find out the best settings to turn on (and off) to make the beautiful game look as beautiful as possible.

How to improve your TV's sound

Not happy with the sound of your new flatscreen TV? We thought not. We guide you through five of the best ways you can get a more exciting and immersive sound experience when watching each and every remaining game.

How to set up your TV and get the best picture

Here comes all the essential tweakery. From the position of the TV in your room to the optimum viewing distance, from connecting your kit to adjusting those crucial picture settings, we run through the process of setting up your TV to get it looking its absolute best for sports and everything else.

Best deals

Need a new 4K TV in time for the final? Looking for the best price on the market? You're running out of time, but fear not - we've picked out the best deals to make your shopping spree much easier and much quicker.

Best World Cup TV and home cinema deals

Money off your next TV? Cashback offers? Free 4K Blu-ray player? Free football t-shirt? Whether you're planning to watch in SD, HD or 4K, now is the perfect time to check out the best World Cup TV and home cinema deals.

Best TV deals

The internet is awash with lovely TV deals, but how do you separate the decent deals from the sensational ones? With our help, of course. From Full HD to 4K Ultra HD, from LCD to QLED to OLED, we've rounded up the most exciting bargains across a whole range of screen sizes and prices.

And now for the national anthems... A 2018 FIFA World Cup playlist

The World Cup isn't only about football. Once the 32 nations had their places in Russia confirmed, naturally our minds turned to music. What has Mexicans moving? What has the Japanese jigging? What exactly gets played at a Danish disco? Join us on our trip around the globe, and please be upstanding for the alternative national anthems.

Kashfia Kabir
Hi-Fi and Audio Editor

Kashfia is the Hi-Fi and Audio Editor of What Hi-Fi? and first joined the brand over 10 years ago. During her time in the consumer tech industry, she has reviewed hundreds of products (including speakers, amplifiers and headphones), been to countless trade shows across the world and fallen in love with hi-fi kit much bigger than her. In her spare time, Kash can be found tending to an ever-growing houseplant collection and hanging out with her cat Jolene.