# GSMA Intelligence Finds Operators Could Be the Real Game-Changers of the 2026 World Cup

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/pr-news/gsma-intelligence-finds-operators-could-be-the-real-game-changers-of-the-2026-world-cup
- Published: 2026-06-12T00:47:00+07:00
- Author: PR Newswire

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LONDON, June 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — _GSMA Intelligence’s latest Insight Spotlight
explores _[_how the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the US will create major opportunities_](https://www.gsmaintelligence.com/research/research-file-download?reportId=80818&assetId=80821)_
for mobile operators, not only in delivering resilient, high-capacity connectivity
but also in enabling new enterprise services and enhanced consumer experiences. 
With huge spikes in traffic expected across stadia, fan zones, airports and host
cities, operators are investing in 5G network densification, including small cells,
distributed antenna systems, mmWave, Wi-Fi access points, temporary cell sites, 
backhaul upgrades and additional spectrum._

_The paper argues that the opportunity goes well beyond basic coverage. For enterprise
customers and event organisers, technologies such as private 5G, edge computing 
and IoT can support critical event operations including broadcasting, video assistant
referee systems, public safety, crowd management, digital signage, connected cameras,
drones and ambulances. As major US operators continue rolling out 5G Standalone,
the report suggests advanced capabilities such as network slicing are likely to 
underpin many of these differentiated connectivity services._

_For consumers, the World Cup also opens up new monetisation opportunities. These
include travel eSIM offers for international visitors, premium experience-based 
tariffs with features such as guaranteed speeds, priority access and low latency,
and network-native services such as live translation that do not depend on app downloads
or specialist hardware. GSMA Intelligence notes growing consumer interest in these
types of connectivity-led propositions._

_The report also highlights complementary revenue opportunities for operators that
may not hold content rights directly. These range from partnerships with official
broadcasters, to enabling immersive and adjacent content such as XR and multi-angle
viewing and supporting fan journey services with location-aware information and 
integrated travel or venue access. Overall, the paper concludes that major sporting
events such as the 2026 World Cup are becoming important showcases for operators
to demonstrate the value of advanced networks, develop new service models and strengthen
their role in the wider digital experience economy._

[GSMA Intelligence](https://www.gsmaintelligence.com/research/world-cup-2026-are-operators-the-game-changers)
has shared further insights via its recent [LinkedIn post](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/gsma-intelligence_the-fifa-world-cup-2026-canada-mexico-activity-7470807139176001536-x9Vs?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAADQJBvgB2mfo1NfpHLfFN4QpdFovNGYAWWw)
and podcast available on [Spotify](https://lnkd.in/eUJMffxe), [YouTube](https://lnkd.in/eNAqNN8A),
[Apple](https://lnkd.in/exfUB97u), and [Amazon Music](https://lnkd.in/eGwssNk3)

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**Read the original article :** [GSMA Intelligence Finds Operators Could Be the Real Game-Changers of the 2026 World Cup ](http://www.prnasia.com/story/archive/4981891_AE81891_0?rand=184833)