World Cup Broadcasts Are Delayed — and Some Viewers See Goals Much Sooner

So-called 'live' World Cup broadcasts are not truly real-time, as all viewers experience some degree of delay. The gap between when a goal is scored and when it appears on screen varies significantly depending on the platform or service being used. Some viewers receive the footage considerably faster than others, creating an uneven experience among audiences. This delay is a result of the technical processes involved in transmitting and streaming broadcast signals. The difference can be significant enough that some fans learn of goals from social media or others before seeing them on their own screens.