The anticipation for the 2026 World Cup quarter-final match between the Spanish national team and Belgium, scheduled for Friday, July 10th, has prompted the activation of special plans in Tenerife and Gran Canaria. The aim is to provide fans with the opportunity to follow the game live on giant screens.
In La Laguna, the City Council has confirmed the installation of three giant screens at the San Benito de Abad Baile de Magos venue. This decision has led to neighborhood complaints due to the match coinciding with one of the municipality's most traditional festivals, with fears that the sporting event might overshadow the celebration.
To ease tensions, the council has implemented measures such as silent screens to avoid interfering with traditional music, secondary screens along the route to the venue to prevent overcrowding, and a scheduling strategy that anticipates the bulk of the audience arriving at San Benito after the match's final whistle, which kicks off at 8:00 PM.
For alternatives with audio, Yelmo cinemas are offering live broadcasts of the match with various pricing options, including tickets, popcorn, and a soft drink starting from 8.30 euros. The Nivaria Center shopping mall will also feature a television with seating for those wishing to watch the game in the capital city of Santa Cruz surrounded by other fans.
The overlap of major sporting events with local festivals often presents a challenge for the hospitality sector and security. The commercial sector in La Laguna anticipates a high turnout, requiring reinforcement of transport and access control in the San Benito area. The match's outcome could influence the duration of the nighttime festivities on the island.
