US mobile carrier Verizon's network carried nearly 500 terabytes of data across stadiums hosting 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in America.

Verizon was the official telecommunications partner for the event, which came to a conclusion on Sunday when Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the final in New York City.

The tournament was contested by 48 teams across a total of 104 games held across the US, Canada, and Mexico.

According to Verizon, a total of 29.2TB of data was carried over its network during the final on Sunday (July 19), as uplink volume surged nearly 70 percent during the half-time show.

Verizon secured the connectivity contract back in 2024, with the telco bolstering its network across the various stadiums for the event, while boosting its Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and private 5G network services.

The carrier upgraded stadium network capacity by three to five times across all US venues to manage massive data surges.

Verizon installed thousands of hidden antennas under seats, plus massive ball-shaped antennas aimed specifically at the upper tiers. The carrier's Private 5G network enabled the "Lenovo Referee View" body cameras, which it said were able to deliver an immersive, real-time look from the referee’s on-field perspective.

The telco also deployed around 140 small cells outside of the stadiums to support transit hubs, and FIFA Fan Festivals. Temporary cell sites were also deployed, while an additional 80,000 miles of fiber was laid down to support FIFA's broadcasting.

Although some will want to forget the halftime show, Verizon noted that permanent network upgrades and expanded 5G coverage will remain in the host communities.

Meanwhile, AT&T also provided some data from its AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, which hosted nine games during the tournament.

According to the carrier, 227.6TB of data was carried over its network during these matches, with the Australia vs Egypt game topping this list with 28.7TB.