Opera updates Android browser with World Cup soccer hub and AI feed

Opera has released a new version of its web browser for Android, introducing features timed to coincide with the start of the World Cup. The update brings a dedicated soccer hub to both the main browser and Opera Mini, the company’s lightweight client designed for low-bandwidth environments. This addition aims to centralise live scores, statistics, and match notifications for users following the global tournament.

The soccer hub utilises an AI-powered news feed to deliver content, replacing the previous human-curated approach. Users can view a carousel of scores for games currently in progress and tap into specific matches for detailed statistics. The interface also allows users to select favourite teams to receive notifications regarding critical moments during matches.

Beyond sports coverage, the update includes a refreshed start page designed to improve daily navigation. A real-time weather widget now displays current conditions at a glance. The layout also features default shortcuts for accessing private browsing sessions and Opera’s AI mode, although users retain the ability to customise these elements to suit their preferences.

Visual personalisation options have also been expanded. Opera has introduced the ability to customise speed dial icons, offering users the choice of square, round, or "squircle" shapes. These changes are part of a broader effort to streamline the user experience while integrating more automated tools into the browsing interface.

The release underscores Opera’s continued integration of artificial intelligence into its core product suite. By shifting the soccer hub’s content delivery to an AI-driven model, the company is aligning its sports features with the automated data aggregation methods it has previously adopted across other browser functions.