For soccer fans in the UK, the demand for international soccer has never been higher. Whether you’re a devoted supporter of La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga, or an admirer of MLS and other leagues worldwide, there are plenty of ways to stay up to date with the action from leagues around the globe. This post will guide you through some of the best streaming platforms and services available in the UK for catching international soccer games, and we’ll even highlight a unique option—Optus Sport—for those interested in gaining access to some exclusive leagues with the right setup.
1. Sky Sports: Comprehensive Coverage of European Soccer
Overview
Sky Sports has long been a staple for UK soccer fans. Known for its extensive coverage of the Premier League, Sky also holds broadcasting rights for the Bundesliga, as well as select matches from other European leagues. With a subscription, you can watch live matches, highlights, and comprehensive pre- and post-game analysis.
Content and Features
Sky Sports provides a variety of channels dedicated to sports, including Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event, which feature live coverage of Bundesliga and other European competitions. In addition to live matches, Sky Sports offers a wide array of analysis, commentary, and exclusive interviews, making it a complete experience for fans wanting in-depth insights.
Accessibility and Pricing
Sky Sports subscriptions can be added to your Sky TV package or accessed through NOW TV, Sky’s streaming platform, with daily or monthly passes. Subscriptions start at £33.99 per month, or you can pay £11.98 for a 24-hour Sports Day pass on NOW TV if you’re only interested in specific matches. This flexibility makes Sky Sports a viable option for fans who want frequent access to international soccer without committing to a full monthly package.
2. BT Sport: Your Go-To for European and Domestic Competitions
Overview
BT Sport is a key player in the UK for soccer broadcasting, offering live coverage of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and other high-profile European matches. For fans who want to keep up with Europe’s elite competitions, BT Sport is essential.
Content and Features
BT Sport’s offerings go beyond the Champions League, with coverage of Serie A and Ligue 1 matches, bringing fans a taste of Italy and France’s top-flight leagues. With the BT Sport app, fans can also enjoy live streaming, replays, and highlights, making it easy to catch up on the action if they miss a game.
Accessibility and Pricing
BT Sport can be added to your existing BT, Sky, or Virgin Media package, with prices starting around £16 per month, or you can buy a monthly BT Sport Pass for £29.99 if you’re looking for flexibility. BT Sport also regularly hosts top-tier analysis with legends from the game, which adds extra value for fans interested in expert insights.
3. Amazon Prime Video: A Growing Presence in Sports Broadcasting
Overview
Though Amazon Prime Video is still establishing its sports streaming presence, it has already secured broadcasting rights for the English Premier League and streams select matches. While it doesn’t currently feature a wealth of international leagues, it’s one to watch for exclusive games and new sports content.
Content and Features
Amazon’s sports content includes live-streamed Premier League matches, and it’s known for its high-quality, ad-free streaming and innovative features like “X-Ray,” which offers real-time player stats. For fans wanting quick updates and highlights, Amazon Prime Video is an easy option to access on multiple devices.
Accessibility and Pricing
Amazon Prime costs £8.99 per month or £95 per year. This subscription not only gives you access to exclusive live games but also includes a vast library of TV shows, and original content, making it a well-rounded option for viewers who want entertainment beyond sports.
4. Premier Sports: Comprehensive Coverage of Europe’s Lesser-Known Leagues
Overview
Premier Sports is an underrated choice for fans interested in leagues outside the mainstream. It offers extensive coverage of Serie A, La Liga, the Dutch Eredivisie, and the Scottish Premiership, making it an excellent option for those who want access to leagues not often covered on major networks.
Content and Features
Premier Sports brings exclusive content like La Liga TV, the channel dedicated to Spanish soccer, and offers a variety of European soccer leagues. Its app also provides on-demand highlights, replays, and analysis. Additionally, Premier Sports occasionally airs MLS games, which is appealing for fans who want a taste of American soccer.
Accessibility and Pricing
You can subscribe to Premier Sports for £14.99 per month or £99 per year. It’s accessible on Sky, Virgin Media, and Premier Player, their dedicated streaming service. For fans with a specific interest in European leagues outside the Champions League, Premier Sports is a great choice.
5. Optus Sport (with a Twist): An Option for Fans Seeking Exclusive Matches
Overview
While Optus Sport is an Australian streaming service, UK fans might find it an intriguing option for exclusive access to certain international matches, including the English Premier League, via some clever tech setups.
Content and Features
Optus Sport offers coverage of leagues like the Premier League and J.League, as well as major tournaments such as the UEFA Champions League. Its well-designed app and seamless streaming experience make it a popular choice in Australia, but with the help of a VPN, UK fans can also access it. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows users to change their virtual location, enabling access to region-specific content.
Accessibility and Pricing
An Optus Sport subscription is around AUD$24.99 per month, with an additional VPN cost if you’re accessing it outside Australia. While this may be more complex to set up, it could be worth it for dedicated fans looking to access exclusive games.
Disclaimer
Using VPNs to access region-locked content often violates terms of service, so fans should be aware of potential risks before proceeding.
Overview
OneFootball offers a unique streaming experience by allowing fans to purchase individual matches or even enjoy some free live-streamed games. It’s a mobile-friendly app that brings international soccer to fans who may not want a full streaming subscription.
6. OneFootball: Free Access to Selected Matches and Highlights
Content and Features
OneFootball’s offerings include live broadcasts of select Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1 matches, along with highlights, analysis, and breaking news. It’s also an excellent option for keeping up with team and player stats and is a fantastic addition for fans who want to watch the occasional match without the monthly fee.
Accessibility and Pricing
OneFootball is free to download, with live games available for a small fee (usually around £1-£3 per game). This flexibility makes it ideal for casual fans who want to catch specific matches or for those who enjoy keeping up with highlights.
Wrapping Up: Choosing the Right Platform for International Soccer
When it comes to watching international soccer in the UK, there’s no shortage of options. Here’s a quick summary to help guide your decision:
- Sky Sports and BT Sport are ideal for comprehensive coverage of popular European leagues and tournaments.
- Amazon Prime Video offers a unique selection of Premier League games and an ad-free experience.
- Premier Sports is a must for fans of Serie A, La Liga, and smaller European leagues.
- Optus Sport is a great option for fans looking for exclusive games from Australia, but it requires VPN to access Optus Sport in UK, USA, Canada and anywhere else.
- OneFootball is perfect for casual fans who want to watch individual matches or highlights without a subscription.
With these options, UK fans have a rich selection of streaming platforms tailored to international soccer, bringing the world’s game right to your screens.
