Washington, Jul 31 (EFE).-
Financial services giant Visa has announced that its customers have exclusive access to the first ticket lottery for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a campaign combining the global appeal of soccer with the convenience of digital payments, aiming to enhance the fan experience across the three host countries—the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The initiative was unveiled Wednesday at the Visa Payments Vault in Washington, offering anyone with a Visa credit, debit, or reloadable prepaid card early and exclusive 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.
As FIFA’s official payment technology partner, Coello emphasized Visa’s goal of “leveraging this event to help modernize businesses and provide greater security by reducing the need for cash transactions.”
“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 said, highlighting the ease Visa aims to offer traveling fans.
He also stressed the long-term impact a World Cup has on host countries and regions, particularly in terms of tourism and economic opportunity.
“The host country typically sees a surge in tourism during the World Cup year, but a year later, there’s usually a 10% increase in tourism, and two years later it can reach 20% above pre-event levels,” Coello added.
A unique experience
Former U.S. soccer player Alexi Lalas, known for his role on the U.S. team during the country’s first World Cup in 1994, said at the event that “the fact that Visa recognizes the opportunity, the responsibility, and the ability to provide both inclusive and exclusive experiences for fans is incredible.”
Speaking with the experience of having both played in and broadcast numerous World Cups, Lalas expressed his excitement about FIFA bringing the tournament back to U.S. soil 25 years later—this time with Mexico and Canada as co-hosts.
“At the end of the day, soccer is about bringing people together,” said the former Padova (Italy), New England Revolution, and LA Galaxy player.
Jay Allen, chargé d’affaires at the Canadian Embassy in the U.S., added, “This is incredibly special. 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 to the U.S. Esteban Moctezuma also highlighted the warm welcome awaiting fans in his country.
“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,” said the ambassador.
Finally, Andrew Giuliani, director of the White House working group for the 2026 World Cup, said the event represents “a great opportunity to show the world the greatness of the United States’ first 250 years (as the tournament coincides with the country’s semiquincentennial) and the hope and promise of the next 250.”
“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,” Giuliani said. EFE
