Connectivity Plays Its Part: Lessons From 2026 World Cup That Spain Should Consider for 2030

New GSMA Intelligence research examines how 5G, eSIM and digital services shaped the fan experience during the 2026 World Cup

45% of mobile contract customers are interested in tariffs that guarantee enhanced network performance

Lessons from the US, Canada and Mexico provide a useful reference for Spain as it prepares to host the 2030 World Cup

Madrid, 29 de julio de 2026: The 2026 FIFA World Cup turned stadiums, airports, host cities and fan zones across the US, Canada and Mexico into a major testing ground for telecommunications networks. The report 'World Cup 2026: are operators the game-changers?', produced by GSMA Intelligence, examines the role played by operators and draws lessons that could be especially relevant for future tournaments.

According to the GSMA Intelligence report, connectivity is now an integral part of both the fan experience and the event's operations, from accessing content and navigating host cities to broadcasting, security and refereeing.

The report highlights how operators strengthened networks across stadiums, airports and host cities through additional 5G and Wi-Fi infrastructure and capacity upgrades. It also points to the role of 5G Standalone, private networks, edge computing and IoT in supporting critical services during major sporting events.

From the connected stadium to the complete fan journey

The report notes that the opportunity for operators extended beyond ensuring coverage inside stadiums. It identifies services that can support fans throughout their journey, from arriving in the host country to entering the venue and following the match.

• Travel eSIMs: According to GSMA Intelligence's 2025 Global Consumer Survey, 12% of consumers who had travelled internationally in the previous 12 months used an eSIM while abroad. Of these, more than 70% used a travel eSIM provided by a mobile operator.

• Experience-based tariffs: 45% of mobile contract customers are interested in performance-based plans, including options such as higher upload speeds, priority access, on-demand speed boosts and guaranteed low latency.

• Network-native services: The report highlights T-Mobile US's launch of Live Translation as an example of a network-native service. It provides real-time translation without requiring users to install a dedicated app or use specific device hardware, helping improve the experience of international visitors at large-scale events.

Figures published separately by US operators provide additional context on the scale of the challenge. Verizon reported nearly 500 TB of data across stadiums during the World Cup, including 29.2 TB during the final, with upload traffic rising by almost 70% at half-time. AT&T reported nearly one petabyte of traffic across US host cities and more than 99% reliability for voice and data after preparing its network for two to three times normal traffic levels.

A reference point for Spanish stadiums and cities

The report's findings also highlight the challenges future host locations will need to address. 5G Standalone, private networks, edge computing and the Internet of Things can support services such as VAR, live broadcasting, digital signage, connected cameras, drones, crowd management and connected ambulances.

"The main lesson from the 2026 World Cup is that future hosts should not approach connectivity solely as a capacity exercise. The real value lies in designing infrastructure that can guarantee critical services, support fans throughout their journey and continue to benefit cities after the tournament ends while also recognizing opportunities to deliver valuable services beyond connectivity. For Spain, 2030 represents an opportunity to turn network investment into a lasting asset for other major events and for the digital economy," said Peter Jarich, Head of GSMA Intelligence.

To read the full report and access further data on how technology is reshaping the sports ecosystem, visit GSMA Intelligence Research.

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Notes to Editors

About GSMA Intelligence

GSMA Intelligence is the definitive source of global mobile industry data, analysis and forecasts, covering every operator group, network and MVNO across more than 200 markets. Its direct access to real-world data from GSMA member operators makes it an unrivalled industry reference.

About GSMA 

The GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry, and society thrive. Representing mobile operators and organisations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA delivers for its members across three broad pillars: Connectivity for Good, Industry Services and Solutions, and Outreach. This activity includes advancing policy, tackling today's biggest societal challenges, underpinning the technology and interoperability that make mobile work, and providing the world's largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events. We invite you to find out more at gsma.com