A network that scales
The World Cup experience extended far beyond the stadium gates — and so did FirstNet. Host cities and public safety agencies had to prepare for large gatherings at fan festivals, watch parties, media centers, team base camps, and local business throughout their communities.
Preparations for an event of this scale began years before this summer. The FirstNet Authority team worked alongside public safety agencies in the host cities to help them plan for the tournament and optimize their communications.
​That support included identifying where first responders would operate during the matches, assessing their broadband needs, anticipating areas of heavy network demand, and coordinating with AT&T to ensure the right network resources were in place before the first World Cup match kicked off on June 11, 2026.
On-site expertise
Support continued throughout the tournament with FirstNet Authority staff stationed in every host city, at AT&T’s FirstNet Network Operations Center, and in the national Special Event Coordination Center. Working alongside emergency managers and public safety personnel, the FirstNet Authority staff shared best practices and helped resolve any issues as they arose.
As a trusted government-to-government resource, the FirstNet Authority staff helped connect public safety agencies with telecommunications experts when coordination mattered most.
A network built for America’s public safety
The FirstNet network does much more than connect phones. Throughout the World Cup, the network supported technologies used by first responders, ranging from body cameras and drones to deployable network assets and emerging artificial intelligence applications. Together, these capabilities helped first responders make faster decisions, improve situational awareness, and coordinate more effectively across agencies.
As we reflect back on the 2026 World Cup, we recognize the important role FirstNet played in powering the communications that kept fans, players, and surrounding communities safe. During the World Cup and every day beyond it, the FirstNet Authority remains committed to ensuring America’s first responders have the reliable, resilient, and modern communications technology they need to protect our communities.
