Why forcing a 4K feed over an encrypted tunnel causes intense buffering — and how to test a high-speed fix risk-free for 60 days
We always caveat our VPN speed tests by saying something like "but you only need around a 30 Mbps connection to stream 4K video". The trouble is that it's not always as simple as that when you're watching a UHD stream – particularly for an event as popular as the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The best VPNs offer ultra-fast network speeds that can handle ultra-high definition 4K video streaming – but network traffic spikes can bring this to a standstill.
Events like the World Cup cause traffic surging with some popular ISPs, VPNs, and the streaming services themselves struggling under the capacity stresses of having so many users demanding bandwidth at once. The results are often buffering or a reduction in video resolution at the least. Hence why your 4K football match might look a lot rougher than it should.
Server congestion can also cause packet loss, where packets of data sent through a network are unable to reach their destination, resulting in dropped frames or stuttering.
The solution is a two-parter. Firstly, you want to find a VPN with support for high-speed WireGuard connections that can remain stable under pressure from congestion. Secondly, switch your stream to 1080p, rather than 4K, in order to reduce the bandwidth you require. This should keep frame rates high and buffering to a minimum.
If you’re looking for a new VPN to keep up with the World Cup or watch other major events in 4K, our Norton VPN review found a solid choice with average Wireguard speeds of 1010mbps. What’s more, Norton VPN is currently available for up to 60 per cent off:
Norton VPN: from $3.33 per month
Norton VPN boasts a high-speed Wireguard protocol, averaging 1010mbps in our in-depth review testing. That means it’s a great pick for streaming high-definition video, even at times of increased demand. With 116 server locations in 74 countries, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from if one specific server is overwhelmed.
And with a discounted price of $3.33 per month for the first year, the Standard plan will let you add up to three devices – stepping up to the Deluxe plan will get you five devices at once for $4.17 per month, while the Ultimate plan covers 10 devices for the equivalent of $5 per month. All three plans come with a 60 day money-back guarantee, twice the standard for VPN services. View Deal
If you’re just not willing to step down to 1080p, you might want to look into using a Smart DNS service instead of a VPN. This will allow you to spoof your location on a less crowded server (i.e your home network), but won’t encrypt your data or hide your IP address.
And if Norton VPN just doesn’t float your boat, there are other options on the market. Norton is still slower than many of the best VPNs: ExpressVPN (1177mbps), NordVPN (1249mbps), and Proton VPN (1475mbps) all boast faster speeds. And for those on a budget, Surfshark still reigns as our pick for the best cheap VPN.
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