Verizon launches third wave of free World Cup ticket giveaways starting January 7, targeting customers through its Verizon Ultimate Access promotion via the Verizon Access loyalty program. The telecom giant partners with David Beckham for the promotion, which runs daily at 3:00 PM ET through January 11.
Hundreds of tickets will be available for every World Cup 2026 match, including all group stage games across U.S. host cities. Customers can claim tickets on a first-come, first-served basis exclusively through the My Verizon app, according to Verizon's official announcement.
The giveaway addresses unprecedented demand for World Cup tickets. FIFA received over 150 million ticket requests in the first 15 days of its latest lottery, 30 times more than available supply. Only 7 million tickets exist for 104 matches across Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
Ticket prices have surged compared to previous tournaments. The cheapest Philadelphia matches range from $140 to $265, with four Category 3 tickets to all six Philly games costing over $5,000. This marks a significant increase from the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where tickets started at $11.
Verizon's promotion leverages its position as Official Telecommunication Services Sponsor of FIFA World Cup 2026. The company will distribute thousands of free tickets throughout the program, providing what it calls "unbeatable value" for customers facing intense competition for seats.
The World Cup giveaway coincides with Verizon's separate Super Bowl LX promotion launching January 9. That sweepstakes offers game tickets, VIP on-field access, and travel accommodations for the February 2026 event. Super Bowl tickets will be available January 9-11 at 4:00 PM ET daily.
Both promotions require Verizon Access membership, the company's loyalty program that unlocks exclusive events and experiences. Verizon Access also provides ongoing discounts, including potential savings of $20 per line monthly for 12 months through loyalty incentives.
Verizon's dual sports sponsorship strategy targets high-demand events where ticket scarcity drives premium pricing. The company positions itself as providing exclusive access that customers "can't get anywhere else," according to its marketing materials.
The telecom provider faces competition from other carriers offering similar sports partnerships, but Verizon's scale and sponsorship portfolio give it unique access to major international events. Verizon's World Cup promotion involves giving away thousands of tickets through its loyalty program.
Industry analysts note such promotions help retain customers in competitive telecom markets, with loyalty programs seen as important for customer retention.
World Cup 2026 kicks off in June across North America, with matches scheduled through July. Verizon's ticket distribution precedes the tournament by five months, giving winners ample time to plan travel to host cities including Philadelphia, New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas.
The promotion's timing aligns with typical telecom customer retention cycles, where January promotions help offset post-holiday subscription reviews. Verizon's combination of immediate ticket access and ongoing loyalty discounts creates multiple touchpoints for customer engagement.
Verizon Access members should prepare for high competition when tickets drop daily at 3:00 PM ET. The company recommends having the My Verizon app ready and logged in before the scheduled release times to maximize chances of securing tickets.
Successful claimants will receive digital tickets through the app, with specific match assignments based on availability. Verizon has not disclosed exact ticket quantities per drop but confirms "hundreds" will be available each day across all matches.
The promotion represents Verizon's continued investment in sports marketing following its NFL 5G network sponsorship. Company executives reportedly view such partnerships as essential for demonstrating network reliability during high-bandwidth events while rewarding loyal customers.
