Philips Hue and WiZ unveil Sports Live for 2026 World Cup

At a glance:

• Sports Live synchronizes Philips Hue and WiZ lighting with real-time soccer match data for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
• Setup is handled through the Hue 5.69 or WiZ mobile apps, with automatic lighting start 15 minutes before kickoff
• The feature responds to goals, yellow cards, and red cards without requiring additional HDMI sync hardware

Real-time sports lighting for the 2026 World Cup

Signify has launched Sports Live, a new feature for Philips Hue and WiZ smart lighting products that synchronizes lighting effects with live soccer match data in real time. The feature is rolling out now for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which takes place across Mexico, Canada, and the United States.

Unlike traditional TV sync systems that rely on HDMI-based hardware to analyze on-screen content, Sports Live connects directly to live match data and responds to events as they occur. This approach eliminates the need for additional synchronization hardware and promises more immediate reactions to in-game moments.

During quieter periods, lights adapt to reflect a favorite team's colors, the leading team's colors, or a neutral white when the score is tied. The system can trigger lighting changes at key moments including goals, yellow cards, and red cards, with the aim of making at-home viewing feel more immersive.

Simple setup through mobile apps

Setup is handled through either the Philips Hue or WiZ mobile app. In the Hue app, the feature is found under the Sync tab, where users select a room or zone, which must include at least one color-capable light, and optionally choose favorite teams to receive match suggestions.

Current games appear directly in the Sync tab, with a separate list available for upcoming fixtures. Sports Live automatically starts 15 minutes before kickoff once a match is selected, and a delay adjustment tool lets viewers sync lighting effects to their specific broadcast.

After setup, users can still customize the default scene, brightness, and room. Any lights paired with Hue Sync Box take priority and will not be used for Sports Live. WiZ users can access the feature through the company's Wi-Fi platform without requiring a hub.

New Hue app features in version 5.69

The Philips Hue 5.69 app update that delivers Sports Live also introduces a new Bridge zone, which consolidates all devices and automations across an entire Hue Bridge into a single group on the home dashboard, with options to create scenes and hide or rearrange groups. The zone appears in the "Hidden" section by default and must be manually surfaced.

Sports Live is compatible with existing Hue and WiZ entertainment features, including Hue Sync and WiZ Sync with TV. The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a significant opportunity for smart home lighting to enhance the sports viewing experience, building on years of development in connected home technology.

For many households, this represents the latest evolution in ambient TV lighting, moving beyond simple color matching to event-driven experiences tied directly to live sports data.