Washington, Jul 31 (EFE).— Financial services giant Visa has announced that its customers will enjoy exclusive access to the first ticket lottery for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, part of a campaign that merges global soccer passion with the simplicity of digital payments. The initiative aims to enhance the fan experience across the three host nations: the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Visa kicks off early ticket registration
The announcement was made Wednesday at the Visa Payments Vault in Washington, where Visa revealed that anyone with a Visa credit, debit, or reloadable prepaid card will have early access to register for the ticket draw. The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
“This announcement reaffirms to all Visa customers that we are constantly looking for ways to add value to our product,”
— Eduardo Coello, Visa’s regional president for Latin America and the Caribbean, told EFE.
Frictionless payments across borders
As FIFA’s official payment technology partner, Visa plans to modernize business transactions and increase payment security throughout the tournament.
“Imagine following your team through the tournament and they end up playing in all three host countries. Imagine having to switch between Mexican pesos, Canadian dollars, and U.S. dollars.
Not with Visa—you pay with a super-convenient exchange rate, forget about the hassle, and your charge appears exactly as you signed,”
— Coello explained.
Economic impact beyond the stadiums
Coello also emphasized the economic ripple effect the World Cup brings, particularly for tourism and local development.
“The host country typically sees a surge in tourism during the World Cup year, but a year later, there’s usually a 10% increase, and two years later it can reach 20% above pre-event levels,”
— he said.
A once-in-a-generation experience for fans
Former U.S. soccer star Alexi Lalas, who played in the 1994 World Cup and now works as a broadcaster, praised Visa’s approach to inclusivity and exclusivity.
“The fact that Visa recognizes the opportunity, the responsibility, and the ability to provide both inclusive and exclusive experiences for fans is incredible,”
— said Lalas, who previously played for clubs including Padova (Italy), New England Revolution, and LA Galaxy.
Lalas also reflected on the significance of bringing the tournament back to U.S. soil, this time with Mexico and Canada as co-hosts.
“At the end of the day, soccer is about bringing people together.”
Diplomatic support and regional pride
Canadian Chargé d’affaires Jay Allen called the initiative a symbol of trilateral strength:
“These three countries already share one of the most remarkable partnerships; and with this alliance, there’s nothing we can’t do—especially with partners like Visa.”
Mexican Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma also shared his excitement about the festive atmosphere Mexico will offer:
“We expect millions of fans during the tournament and all the celebratory events surrounding it, which will make the 2026 World Cup one of the most vibrant and festive moments in our region’s recent history. The Mexican government has prepared a World Cup for everyone.”
Telling America’s story at 250 years
Andrew Giuliani, director of the White House working group for the 2026 World Cup, noted the tournament’s overlap with the U.S. semiquincentennial (250th anniversary).
“This is a great opportunity to show the world the greatness of the United States’ first 250 years, and the hope and promise of the next 250,”
— said Giuliani.
“We’re excited to join our Mexican and Canadian partners not just to tell that story, but also to tell the story of the beautiful game here at the 2026 World Cup.”
EFE
This content was distributed with the support of Visa.