The 2026 World Cup is coming — these are my 5 favorite 85-inch TVs to watch the games starting from $799

The Hisense UR9 in a desert landscape. On its left is the FIFA World Cup trophy on a stone pedestal, and on the right is a blue-colored badge that reads: "TG Savings Squad" — (Image credit: Hisense)

FIFA fever couldn't be happening at a better time if you're shopping for a new, 85-inch TV. Right now, brands are rolling out their latest lineups, which means nearly all of the best 85-inch TVs from 2025 are heavily discounted.

Here's the kicker: Not every 85-inch TV is worth buying, which is why I've narrowed it to my top five favorite picks. I've spent a lot of time with these TVs (and we've reviewed every model), so I can confidently say that they're reliable for sports. If you're holding watch parties during the biggest sporting event in the world, these are the big-screen TVs to consider across every budget.

1. Hisense U65QF

Hisense U65QF in an apartment — (Image credit: Hisense)

The most affordable 85-inch TV on this list of picks is the U65QF, a Hisense TV that puts value above all else. If you’re looking to spend as little as possible on an 85-inch screen without scraping the bottom of the proverbial barrel, the U65QF is the TV I recommend. In fact, anything cheaper than this at the 85-inch size point might not be worth the savings.

What sets the U65QF apart from most of those bottom-of-the-barrel options is its Mini-LED backlighting. Yes, this particular array of Mini-LEDs isn’t quite as sophisticated as the hardware you’ll find on higher-end Mini-LED TVs, but as far as features go, it’s not exactly easy to find Mini-LEDs in this price range.

The U65QF puts its display to good use, too. According to our test results (which you can check out in our Hisense U65QF review), this is the brightest TV in its class. No other entry-level Mini-LED TV we’ve tested in the last year comes close.

This makes it a perfect pairing for footy fans with a sun-soaked living space. If you’re entertaining a daytime crowd and need a screen that can hold up, the U65QF is a better choice than just about every 85-inch TV at (or near) its price point.

It’s worth noting that the U65QF’s streaming features are built around the Fire TV smart platform. Fire TV isn’t my top streaming platform, but it still supports YouTube TV, Fubo and Tubi, which should make streaming the World Cup games relatively easy. Or at this price, you could get one of the best streaming devices instead.

2. TCL QM6K

TCL QM6K QD-Mini LED TV — (Image credit: Future)

The TCL QM6K is another entry-level Mini-LED TV with an emphasis on value. According to our testing, the QM6K isn’t as bright as the previously mentioned Hisense U65QF. Nevertheless, based on the time I’ve spent watching both of these sets, I find the QM6K’s overall presentation (particularly its upscaling capabilities) to be a bit better than that of the U65QF.

Another aspect of the QM6K that some people might find better suited to their needs is its built-in Google TV streaming platform. I find Google TV to be more streamlined and easier to navigate than the Fire TV software you’ll find in the U65QF. Its app support also has you covered for various World Cup games.

You’ll pay more for the 85-inch QM6K than you will for the 85-inch U65QF, but that added cost nets you a TV that better handles the little things, like upscaling and backlight control.

3. Hisense U75QG

Hisense U75QG Mini-LED TV in an apartment — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

If I had to guess, I’d wager that the Hisense U75QG will end up being massively popular this year among shoppers looking for a bright, colorful 85-inch TV whose impressive picture will extend far beyond the World Cup games. In other words, this is the TV to put at the top of your list of options if you’re also in the market for a set that’ll have movies, shows and games looking great, too.

The U75QG falls into what I often call the “TV Goldilocks Zone” — it’s not the most affordable 85-inch TV, but it’s not wildly expensive, either. Its Mini-LED-driven picture is about twice as bright as the aforementioned U65QF, so if you’re planning on holding World Cup watch parties in a sunny room, it’s a reliable pick.

Unlike the entry-level U65QF, the U7 Series is built around Google TV rather than Fire TV. As mentioned, Google TV is my preferred choice between the two software suites.

4. LG C5

LG C5 OLED TV on a side table — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

This is the set to get if you just happen to be shopping for an incredible big-screen TV on the eve of the World Cup. It’s a luxury purchase, but one that’ll pay off for years to come.

Like all OLED TVs, the LG C5 is available in an 83-inch screen rather than 85 inches. But you won’t miss those couple of inches when you’re actually watching the World Cup on this thing.

Every pick on this list relies on Mini-LED backlighting except the LG C5. As an OLED TV, every single pixel in the display is self-illuminating, which has a tremendously positive effect on almost every aspect of picture quality.

The C5 isn’t as bright as some of the heavy-hitting Mini-LED TVs on this list, but thanks to its ability to produce perfect black levels, its contrast is jaw-dropping. As long as you’re not putting this TV opposite a window, it should be fine for World Cup watch parties during the day.

5. Hisense UR9

Hisense UR9 RGB Mini-LED TV on a desk — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Yes, I’m putting a third Hisense TV on this list. In recent years, the brand has specialized in bright, value-forward TVs that punch above their weight, and these are all things that matter when you’re shopping for reasonably priced, big-screen TVs that can showcase sports during the day.

The Hisense UR9 leverages an all-new type of display technology called RGB LED. As a result, it’s not only the brightest TV on this list, it’s the most colorful, too. It also arrives with Google TV, so you’ve got plenty of ways to stream the World Cup at your fingertips if you splash out on Hisense’s newest flagship model.

This is the TV I recommend to people who want to make an impression with friends, family and colleagues who swing by to watch a game. The aforementioned LG C5 is the better-performing TV, but the UR9 offers more cutting-edge flair.

As a new release, the 85-inch UR9 doesn’t come cheap, but it’s worth noting that its current price of $3,999 is much lower than the $5,999 price tag it carried at launch.

Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Subscribe to Tom's Guide on YouTube and follow us on TikTok. Finally, you can visit our dedicated Tom's Guide Savings Squad hub for expert help on getting the best products for less.

More from Tom's Guide

Michael Desjardin is a Senior Editor for TVs at Tom's Guide. He's been testing and tinkering with TVs professionally for over a decade, previously for Reviewed and USA Today. Michael graduated from Emerson College where he studied media production and screenwriting. He loves cooking, zoning out to ambient music, and getting way too invested in the Red Sox. He considers himself living proof that TV doesn't necessarily rot your brain.