Sixty-four matches will kick off in Qatar on Sunday, November 20th, and continue over 29 exciting days. It is going to be one heck of a ride, and fortunately, you can stream the games from anywhere by using a World Cup VPN. Although without it, you can only stream it through local broadcasters like SBS on Demand, BBC iPlayer, and ITV Hub.Â
The issue with local broadcasters is that you can only access their coverage if you are in the same country. But if you live in a different location or are visiting a new place, finding a reliable stream could be next to impossible. Though by using a soccer stream VPN, you can bypass geo-restrictions and get to watch World Cup for free from any location of your choice.Â
If you are a bilingual fan, a VPN may also help you switch between the different commentary languages, alongside maintaining a stable connection. You could also use it to disguise your location and access other countries' broadcasting sites. For example, you can access SBS by using an Australian server.Â
All of this could be possible with a reliable VPN. Though with so many services on the market, it is often difficult to pick one. That's because not every service is optimized for streaming. After comparing tens of World Cup VPNs, here are our top 5 picks for more comprehensive coverage from around the world.
How to Use a VPN to Watch World Cup 2022 Soccer Streams
A VPN can unblock your favorite World Cup streaming service. Setting it up is incredibly easy. Here’s what you need to do:
- Subscribe to a World Cup VPN with a well-spread network (we recommend ExpressVPN).
- Download and install the VPN app on your device(s).
- Launch the VPN app and when prompted, log in using your credentials.
- Select a VPN server in a country of your choice (For eg: Select a UK server and access BBC iPlayer/ ITV Hub).
- Once your VPN session is established, you can now access any geo-restricted World Cup streams from anywhere.
Best VPN for World Cup 2022
When choosing a soccer stream VPN, prioritize three things - a wide server network, strong unblocking features, and fast international download speeds. You need these things because you don’t want your World Cup streamings to buffer when your favorite player is scoring. You also need to look out if the service has enough simultaneous connection to cover all your devices. The other factors to consider are cross-platform availability and 24x7 customer support.Â
As of the recent testing by our editorial team at Technadu, here are the 5 best World Cup 2022 VPN services available right now:
- ExpressVPN - Our #1-Rated World Cup VPN
- NordVPN - Best Soccer Streams VPN
- CyberGhost VPN - Best VPN for World Cup Streams
- Sufshark - Best Fully-Automated VPN
- IPVanish - Best for Inexperienced VPN Users
1. ExpressVPN - Our #1-Rated World Cup VPN
ExpressVPN can unblock soccer streams whether you want to explore content from around the world from home or access what you are used to during a holiday.Â
There are three things that make this service stand out - excellent international coverage, reliable security features, and lightning speeds. Its 3000 servers in 94 locations ensure that you can access any stream around the world no matter where you are stuck. Connections are stable and incredibly fast, so even if you want to stream in 4K, it shouldn’t be an issue.Â
During the test, ExpressVPN could unblock streaming sites such as BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, SBS On Demand, Peacock, Tubi, fuboTV, JioCinema, and more - in multiple locations and languages.Â
The service has intuitively designed apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Fire TV, and Android TV - ensuring you can access the soccer streams of all World Cup matches on all your devices. And with 5 simultaneous connections, it might as well be practical to share your account with friends and family.Â
Setting it up is a breeze too. In case you face an issue, you can always rely on its 24x7 live chat feature. Additionally, if you have a tight budget, you can always use it without spending through its 30-day money-back guarantee.
PROS
- No data logging involved.
- Independently audited.
- Highly polished native software.
- Very easy to install and use.
- Unblocks any website out there.
- Great for any purpose or use.
- Reliable and stable performance.
- Responsive customer support.
CONS
- No in-depth customization possible.
2. NordVPN - Best Soccer Streams VPN
NordVPN is a good soccer stream VPN that offers great unblocking performances with excellent support and intuitive apps for all your devices - making it a fair choice after ExpressVPN. It even comes with 6 simultaneous connections on one account. All of this shows why it is one of the most-known brands in the VPN world.Â
Talking about its network coverage, it comes with 5600 servers across 60+ countries. And with its own WireGuard-based NordLynx, the international connection speeds are impressive - only slightly behind that of ExpressVPN. At least you could be sure that buffering wouldn’t be an issue during World Cup streams and let you access services like BBC iPlayer, SBS On Demand, ITV Hub, and Jio Cinema without any delays.
Not forgetting its SmartPlay technology - a proxy service that helps it bypass geo-restrictions on the go. All NordVPN apps have the feature enabled by default. This shows us how NordVPN is extremely focused on streaming and could be a worthy World Cup companion for any football fan.Â
With additional options like Onion over VPN, a dedicated IP address, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, NordVPN is an easy recommendation. Setting it up for streaming may not be all that straightforward for everyone, but the service features a great set of guides and support articles. If you face an issue during the streams, you can use its 24x7 chat support.
PROS
- Very polished (native) software.
- Plenty of high-end features.
- Sizeable selection of VPN servers.
- Specialized servers for online privacy.
- Suitable for media streaming.
- Responsive customer support.
CONS
- Requires some optimization.
- Streaming servers aren't labeled.
- Somewhat aggressive VPN terminology.
3. CyberGhost VPN - Best VPN for World Cup Streams
CyberGhost is among the only few services which have optimized servers for streaming live sports on multiple channels like BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, FS1, Sling TV, and YouTube TV. Apart from impressively fast performances, it is also capable of unblocking a range of services and streams.Â
During our tests, streams were stable and had minimal speed drops. WiredGuard, among the three protocols, performed the fastest and, at the same time, had solid security with NoSpy servers and leak protection. All of it only gets better with its dense network of 8200+ servers in 91 countries.
It's Smart DNS lets you stream on TVs and consoles without the need for a native CyberGhost app. The service supports 7 simultaneous connections on one account, and with a cross-platform availability, you could cover all your home devices without setting it up on a router.Â
The setting up process is pretty simple, but even if you have an issue, you will always have someone to resolve your query with its 24x7 live support. With a 45-day money-back guarantee, you can simply sign up for its trial and cancel it after the tournament ends unless you get spoiled by its privacy and want to keep it.
PROS
- Ultra-secure VPN protocols.
- Sizeable selection of servers.
- Plenty of specialized servers on offer.
- Wide range of cross-platform apps.
- Suitable for media streaming.
- Responsive customer support.
CONS
- Missing a more recent audit.
- Requires speed-related optimizations.
- Streaming servers available on Windows.
4. Sufshark - Best Fully-Automated VPN
Surfshark is a no-brainer if you are looking for something reliable at almost half the price of its competitors. It is not a surprise that it has consistently topped many VPN charts.Â
With a well-spread network across 100+ countries, it is a great World Cup 2022 VPN that has everything working for it, from excellent speeds to strong unblocking. It is worth noting that the WireGuard protocol reaches some of the most eye-watering speeds we have seen while testing.
All that aside, what makes SurShark truly special is that it supports unlimited connections. That means you can share your account with family and friends, which might be just perfect for saving money during this World Cup season. On top of that, the apps are available on all major platforms - ensuring no matter what device you have - you are covered.Â
Like the other top VPNs, SurfShark offers an easy-to-follow setup process with 24x7 live support. You also have the option to install it on a router, which is a really helpful option.Â
Compared to ExpressVPN, it does fall short in terms of the offered configurations - but if streaming is what you are interested in, it’s hard to ignore this outstanding provider. Especially considering its seriously tempting price and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
PROS
- Works "out of the box."
- Suitable for first-time VPN users.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Highly suitable for media streaming.
- Plenty of unique features.
- Plenty of value overall.
CONS
- No in-depth fine-tuning available.
- Slower than its competitors.
5. IPVanish - Best for Inexperienced VPN Users
IPVanish is another VPN for World Cup that comes with unlimited connections. We could successfully install a dozen devices without an error or any substantial buffer. This means you can share it with your friends and family without worrying about the lag when your favorite team is playing.Â
With a 2000+ servers strong network, this service is more than capable of unblocking the majority of soccer streaming sites, including BBC iPlayer, SBS On Demand, fuboTV, and ITV Hub. Most of its servers are concentrated in the USA, UK, and Australia - which are where all the major streaming platforms are based on.Â
Apart from that, it has an in-house managed infrastructure, which reduces downtime along with security risks. The support section isn’t as detailed as other VPN players, but they are still pretty helpful. You can also prefer to get in touch with an actual person to set up the service across all major platforms and devices.
Though its one-month-long plan lacks a 30-day money-back guarantee, its yearly subscriptions have that window open. This may not be ideal if you want to use it for the trial period without risking your money.
With blistering connection speeds, good security, and superb 24x7 support, it is the one VPN we can wholeheartedly recommend to any football fan.
PROS
- Very simple to use.
- Strong encryption.
- WireGuard now available as well.
- Native software across the board.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Works with Netflix and Disney+.
- Supports torrenting.
CONS
- Medium-sized server network.
- No unique VPN features.
- Live chat not available 24/7.
Why Do I Need a VPN for World Cup 2022?
Fortunately, free soccer streams can be accessed using a VPN through services like BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, SBS On Demand, Jio Cinema, Peacock, FuboTV, TSN, Sling TV, etc., but they are geo-restricted to particular regions. In the UK (BBC iPlayer & ITV Hub), Australia (SBS On Demand), India(JioCinema), US (FS1, Fox on fuboTV & Sling TV, Peacock), Canada (TSN).
To watch all the soccer streams of the World Cup 2022, we need a VPN, and at the same time, you do not have to worry about losing your connection.
Here are some more reasons why you might need a VPN for streaming World Cup 2022:Â
- Unlocking services: By changing the IP address of your device, a VPN lets you connect to any domestic broadcaster while you are abroad. For eg: Pick an Australian server to access SBS On Demand.
- Commentary in preferred language: Bypassing location-based restrictions through a VPN can connect you to a country’s game in a specific language.Â
- Security: You can hide your online activities and data from ill-intentioned internet hackers while you are on public networks by using a VPN.
- Online freedom: Preventing services and sites from attributing your online behavior to your IP address is now possible through a good VPN.Â
- ISP and app throttling: Stop ISP throttling and stabilize your connection through a VPN for a smoother streaming experience.
World Cup 2022 Not Streaming with VPN - How to Fix It
VPNs usually don’t require troubleshooting. But they, like any software, can occasionally meet errors for a variety of reasons. Here are the five most common issues that you might face while streaming World Cup and their probable solutions:Â
- Over congested servers: Paid VPNs usually come with a wide selection of servers. If the server you are connected to is having errors, try connecting to a different one and see if that resolves the issue.Â
- Wrong VPN Protocols: VPNs P2P tunneling protocol is another common problem that you might be struggling with. Go to the network setting and switch between different protocols: OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, or IKeV2/IPSec.Â
- Out-of-date software: It may seem obvious, but many forget to update their software to its latest version. You can simply fix it by checking for updates directly from the VPN menu. Also, set your service to 'update automatically.'
- Slow network: The network speed gets influenced by your location, device, and the server you are connected to. If you are struggling with speed, try selecting a new server or switching devices. You could also try disabling your firewall or antivirus temporarily.Â
- Connection stability: Conflicting software and network congestion are the most common reasons behind connection instability. You can check for software that might be conflicting with your VPN and disable it. If that doesn’t resolve it, try a different server.
Can I Use a Free VPN for World Cup?
Yes, in theory, you can use a free VPN for streaming World Cup, but we don't recommend it. Because it’s not practical since even the best free services come with limitations and risks. At least, at Technadu, we haven’t seen a free provider who could stand up against the streaming and unblocking challenges that you would face while streaming sporting events.
We do understand that the idea of getting a free VPN might tempt users who are short on money. Having that said, we all need to come on the same page and acknowledge the bandwidth limitations of free services, which makes them pointless for streaming. On top of that, most free services inject malware and adware into their software - further ruining the user experience.Â
Here is our recommendation; if you can’t afford a subscription, you can opt for a free trial or make use of the money-back guarantee that most premium services offer. You can always refer to our guide on the best VPN deals to find a service that might fit your pocket and needs. Still, if you must stick to free software, refer to our top Free VPN picks and find your safest bet.
Final Thoughts
Using a World Cup 2022 VPN, you can bypass location-based hurdles from anywhere around the world and stream any sporting event of your choice.
We recommend ExpressVPN, which is robust, secure, and, best of all, comes with a 30-day no-questions-asked money-back guarantee. On top of that, it offers incredibly fast streaming connections, servers across 90+ countries, and 24x7 customer support. You can try the recommended VPNs for streaming World Cup matches.
However, if you want more options, consider checking our guide on the best VPN services, with plenty more suitable options for streaming.
That would be all on the best World Cup VPN. If you have any questions, know that we’re here for you. So, make sure to use the comments section below. Thank you for reading!