The countdown is on. In just a few months, the world will stop for the biggest sporting event on the planet.
With the tournament taking place across the Atlantic this year, we are looking at a summer of late-night drama, penalty shootouts, and hopefully, football coming home. But this year, don't settle for huddling around a standard TV. To truly capture the atmosphere of the stadium, you need a screen that matches the magnitude of the moment.
Whether you are planning a dedicated sports den, a living room takeover, or a garden BBQ viewing party, here is how to get your setup match-fit.
1. The "front Row Seat" Experience (Ultra Short Throw)
If you want the biggest screen possible without mounting a projector on the ceiling, Ultra Short Throw (UST) is the answer. These units sit inches from the wall, just like a TV console, but project a massive 100-130” image.
- The Top Pick: The Hisense PX3-Pro Tri-Colour Laser is a standout performer. Because it uses pure laser light, the grass looks greener and the kits look sharper than on standard LED displays.
- Crucial Tip: To get the best out of a UST projector during a summer afternoon match, you must pair it with an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) Screen. These screens block light from windows and lamps, ensuring the image looks like a giant TV rather than a washed-out projection.
2. For the Bright Living Room (High Brightness & 4K)
World Cup matches don't always happen in the dark. If you have a bright living room or a conservatory, you need a projector with serious lumen power to cut through the daylight.
- The Brightness Beast: The Acer P5827a boasts a massive 4,000 ANSI Lumens. It is designed specifically to perform in well-lit environments, ensuring you don't miss a single pass even with the curtains open.
- The Motion Master: Fast-moving sports can sometimes look blurry on cheaper screens. The JVC LX-NZ30 handles motion beautifully thanks to its high frame rate support, making it perfect for tracking the ball during chaotic corner kicks.
- Short on Space? If your room isn't huge, the ViewSonic X2-4KE Pro is a short-throw wonder that gives you a big picture from just a metre away, complete with built-in Google TV for easy halftime streaming.
3. The Garden Party & Camping Setup (Portables)
Summer football means one thing: BBQ viewing parties. Why be stuck inside when you can beam the match onto the side of the house or a portable screen in the garden?
- Pocket Power: For the ultimate grab-and-go experience, the Pico Genie Impact 4.0 Plus is a brick-sized powerhouse with a built-in battery. It’s robust, bright enough for dusk viewing, and connects wirelessly to your phone.
- Slim & Sleek: If you want something slimmer to slide into a laptop bag for a camping trip, the Pico Genie M550 Plus 4.0 offers high brightness (650 lumens) in a low-profile design.
- The Premium Portable: Want 4K quality in the garden? The Hisense C2 Pro is the "next level" portable. It requires mains power, but its gimbal stand allows you to project instantly onto any wall or garage door with laser-sharp 4K precision.
4. The Roar of the Crowd (Audio Upgrades)
A giant screen gets you close to the pitch, but it's the sound that puts you in the stands. You need to hear the crunch of the tackle and the roar of the crowd, but you also need clear commentary over the chatter of your guests.
Immersive Cinema Sound (Hisense): If you are going big with a projector, you might want to boost the sound even further than the capable built-in speakers. Hisense Soundbars are the perfect partner, particularly their Dolby Atmos models. They create a "dome" of sound that wraps around you, making every chant and whistle feel like it's happening in your living room.
Smart Multi-Room Audio (WiiM): The worst feeling in football is missing a goal because you went to the kitchen for a refill. WiiM devices (like the WiiM Amp and Streamers) are the ultimate hosting hack. They allow you to sync audio across multiple rooms or upgrade your existing Hi-Fi speakers into a smart wireless system. Now, the commentary can follow you from the lounge to the kitchen—and even out to the garden.
Don't Forget the Canvas
Projecting onto a white sheet or a textured wall is the quickest way to ruin a 4K picture. For the World Cup, precision matters—you need to see exactly where that VAR line is drawn.
- Electric Wall / Ceiling Screens: Perfect for living rooms where you want the screen to disappear when the match ends.
- ALR Screens: Essential for daytime viewing or rooms with white walls, as they boost contrast significantly.
Ready for Kick-Off?
Whether you are camping in the Peaks or hosting the whole street for the final, we have a setup to match. Browse our full collections below to find your perfect match companion.