ARTICLE
Ultimate Guide To Preparing For 2022 World Cup
September 26, 2022-5 min read
The 2022 World Cup kicks off on November 20 in Qatar (9pm AEDT, November 21 in Australia), and it will be here before you know it. So the time is now to do your preparation – you don’t want to be scrambling to stream on your TV, or dealing with a laptop or tablet that needs upgrading or a last-minute software update to show the game. So, how to watch World Cup in Australia? This guide will ensure you don’t miss a second of cheering on the Socceroos, or seeing any of your favourite games.
Step 1: Know Where To Watch The World Cup In Australia
The soccer World Cup will be shown live on free-to-air TV channels SBS and SBS VICELAND. With many matches played at the same time during the group stage, games will also be streamed live on SBS On Demand (also free, yay!), meaning SBS platforms will be showing every game of the entire World Cup. Streaming services Kayo and Optus Sport will have selected full match replays, highlights and analysis.
Step 2: Do A Tech Audit
The next step is making sure your TV, smartphone, computer, tablet and any other device you plan to watch on is game-day ready. The latest smart TVs have built-in apps for streaming services, including SBS On Demand, making it supereasy to access all the action at any time of the day or night.
“Don’t forget to complete system and software updates on all your tech devices prior to the World Cup, so you’re not hit with last-minute obstacles,”
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LG 65” UQ90 4K LED Smart TV 2022
Samsung 75” Q60B 4K QLED Smart TV 2022
Sony 85” X85J 4K BRAVIA LED Google TV
Step 3: Check Your Streaming Subscription Is Ready
SBS broadcasting World Cup 2022 means you’ll get free access to all matches, whether you are streaming to your TV, tablet or laptop. All you’ll need to do before the World Cup starts is create a free SBS On Demand account to stream any games on that platform – and check it’s working on all devices.
“Download and log in – remember to save your password or click ‘remember me’ to stay logged in – to the SBS On Demand, Kayo and Optus Sport apps on your smartphone, and bookmark the streaming websites on your computer for quick access
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If you’re not subscribed to Kayo or Optus Sport, you could miss out on World Cup replays and highlights. And you don’t want that! Kayo has a 14-day free trial, or subscribe for $25 per month for one device or $27.50 for two. Optus Sport is $6.99 for eligible Optus customers or $24.99 per month, which includes four devices. Concurrent viewing is limited to one device per account.
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Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 1 15.6” Win 11 Laptop
Dell Inspiron 3000 15.6” Win 11 Laptop
HP 15.6” 12th Gen i3 8GB 256GB Laptop
Step 4: Document Match Times
The schedule for the group stage is already set, so jump on the World Cup website or Google ‘World Cup schedule’ for the dates and times, and write them down in notes on your tablet or smartphone. This will help you work out which matches you’ll watch live and which you’ll catch on replay.
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Apple iPad 10.2” (9th Gen) 64GB WiFi
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 Wi-Fi 64GB
Microsoft Surface Go 3 10.5” 64GB Win 11
Step 5: Set Up World Clock On Your Phone
You don’t want your viewing to come unstuck because of a time zone miscalculation. Add Qatar to the world clock on your smartphone, then work out what time the game/s you want to see will be on in Australia. That way, you can plan what you’ll watch live and on replay.
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Step 6: Have A ‘Watch Overnight’ Plan
Do you live with people who have nil interest in the World Cup and don’t want their sleep disturbed? That’s where the right tech can help. Simply watch on your laptop with headphones on, so you can crank up the volume and enjoy the electric atmosphere. Just be sure to keep the cheering to a minimum!
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Sony On Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones
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Step 7: Do A Test Run!
Group matches will start anywhere from 9pm to 6am Australian time, so you’ll need a trusty alarm – be it an alarm clock or phone alarm – that won’t let you down. Do a test run to ensure it’s working as it should.
Step 8: Plan Your Sleep Schedule
With some matches starting as early as 2am, will you stay up or sleep beforehand? Have your plan locked in ahead of time to ensure you won’t miss the game but can still function at work or school.
Step 9: Prep Your Snacks
With some matches starting at 9pm, that’s prime time for a watch party. From chips and pies to sausage rolls and spring rolls, the soccer World Cup is the perfect excuse to put your air fryer to work. If you’re staying up for the 2am or 3am games, you’ll need a protein shake… or maybe a cocktail or two, so a blender will be your best friend for what is going to be an action-packed and sleep-deprived few weeks.
Get game-day ready ahead of World Cup 2022 and shop our huge range of TVs, laptops, smartphones, tablets and more at The Good Guys. See us in-store and online for all your TV or mobile tech needs.
