As the football World Cup approaches in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, retailers including Power, Elkjøp, and Komplett report a significant surge in television sales. According to industry data, Norwegian consumers are increasingly opting for larger displays, with some retailers seeing a 170 percent growth in the 85-to-100-inch category compared to last year, as fans prepare for the first tournament appearance by Norway’s men’s national team in nearly 30 years.
Why are sales of massive TVs spiking ahead of the tournament?
The upcoming World Cup, which kicks off June 11, 2026, has triggered a consumer rush for home entertainment upgrades. Retailers note that the trend is heavily skewed toward screens exceeding 80 inches. Daniel Hauan, communications director at Komplett, told DinSide that sales for these extra-large models have multiplied in recent weeks.
This trend is echoed at Elkjøp, where Joachim Barth reports a 170 percent increase in the 85-to-100-inch segment. Power’s sales manager, Snorre Berg-Domaas, suggests the timing of the matches—many of which take place in the middle of the night for Norwegian viewers—is driving fans to invest in a premium home viewing experience rather than seeking out public venues.
How to choose the right panel technology for live sports
Selecting the right screen involves balancing contrast, motion handling, and budget. Audun Hage, a veteran TV tester for Lyd & Bilde, notes that while OLED is widely regarded for its superior black levels and wide viewing angles—ideal for when groups of friends gather to watch matches—it can become a significant investment at larger sizes.
For those looking for a more cost-effective alternative at the 85-inch-plus range, mini-LED technology has become increasingly competitive. According to Hage, while OLED remains the leader in individual pixel control, modern mini-LED models now offer localized dimming that mimics high-contrast performance, narrowing the gap between the two technologies.
What to watch for in image quality and settings
Live sports present a unique challenge for television processors due to rapid camera pans, complex green textures, and fast-moving players. Hage warns that even the most advanced 4K and HDR hardware cannot compensate for low-quality source signals, noting that viewers should not expect the same visual polish they might see on a high-bitrate Netflix production.
Modern TVs utilize AI-driven image processing to sharpen motion and color in real-time. However, Hage advises users to experiment with these settings, as “standard” modes may introduce latency or unnatural visual artifacts. He suggests that if the budget is tight, the best strategy is to purchase a discounted 2025 model and allocate the remaining funds toward a dedicated soundbar or speaker system to improve the overall audio experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it better to buy a new TV during the spring? Yes. According to Hage, spring is a transition period where retailers clear out previous-year models to make room for new arrivals, often resulting in significant price drops for high-end 2025 units.
- Will I get 4K quality for the World Cup? According to reports from Lyd & Bilde, neither NRK nor TV 2 will broadcast the 2026 World Cup in 4K or HDR, despite the technological capabilities of modern consumer displays.
- Why does my TV look strange during sports? Rapid motion and high-contrast colors can trigger “etterslep” (lag) or unnatural smoothing effects caused by automatic image processing. Hage recommends testing different picture presets to find a balance between sharpness and natural movement.
Join the Conversation
Are you upgrading your setup for this summer’s tournament, or are you sticking with your current screen? Share your thoughts or your favorite TV settings in the comments section below!
