Verizon is raising the bar for fan engagement at the FIFA World Cup 26. As the tournament’s official telecommunications sponsor, the company has unveiled Verizon Ultimate Access to the FIFA World Cup 26—a program designed to give customers unparalleled opportunities, from free match tickets to once-in-a-lifetime pitch-side experiences.
With creative input from the soccer community and the support of global icons like David Beckham, Tim Howard, Alyssa and Gisele Thompson, Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, and Sergio “Kun” Agüero, Verizon is blending sport, culture, and technology to bring fans closer than ever to the world’s biggest sporting event.
Thousands of free tickets will be made available through the My Verizon app, beginning October 2, with more drops planned throughout the build-up to the tournament. Beyond tickets, hundreds of fans will have the chance to win “Golden Tickets,” which grant exclusive pitch-side access to matches—a perspective typically reserved for players and officials. A nationwide sweepstakes will launch in November to award these coveted experiences, while additional giveaways and activations will continue along the road to 2026.
“I am proud to partner with Verizon to celebrate their plans to give fans unprecedented access to the tournament,” said David Beckham, who stars in Verizon’s 360° marketing campaign. “For me, there are few things as exciting as experiencing football live, whether that’s on or off the pitch.”
Leslie Berland, Verizon’s chief marketing officer, emphasized the brand’s mission: “The World Cup is the biggest sports event in the world and the fandom is unlike any other. We knew we wanted to deliver access and experiences to our customers that are once in a lifetime—Beckham-style—with surprises, events and giveaways along the way.”
In addition to fan perks, Verizon will provide the backbone of connectivity for FIFA World Cup 26 across the United States. Its award-winning 5G network will power tournament operations, enhance public safety at venues, and allow millions of supporters to capture and share their experiences. According to Verizon’s Consumer Connections Report, U.S. fans used 148 terabytes of data at FIFA matches this year alone—equivalent to half a million hours of streaming.
The partnership builds on Verizon’s ongoing investments in the growth of soccer in the U.S., including partnerships with Major League Soccer (MLS), the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), and LALIGA North America.
