Sky launches near-live Real Time channels for World Cup coverage on BBC and ITV

The new channels are designed to address a growing frustration among viewers who stream live TV over an internet connection: the delay between the live action and what appears on screen, which can mean goals are spoiled by phone notifications or noise from neighbouring houses before the moment arrives on their TV.

Sky describes the Real Time service as its “lowest latency streaming experience”, allowing viewers to watch what is happening on the pitch “within seconds”, though the company has not confirmed the precise delay. Sky recommends a broadband connection of at least 40Mbps for the channels to run smoothly.

The launch coincides with the start of the 2026 World Cup, which gets under way this week across Canada, Mexico and the United States. In the UK, BBC and ITV hold the free-to-air broadcast rights for the tournament, meaning the Real Time channels effectively enhance coverage that is already available to all viewers — but only those on compatible Sky packages can access the reduced-lag version.

The Real Time channels are available at no additional cost to existing Sky Stream and Sky Glass customers, though new customers would need to take out a qualifying package to gain access.