US telecommunications company Verizon has entered into a partnership with FIFA which will see it aid connectivity at the 2026 World Cup.
Verizon has been named the official telecommunications services sponsor for the 2026 World Cup taking place in its home market, along with Canada and Mexico. For the World Cup, Verizon’s connectivity services will be deployed across stadiums, official sites and various parts of the tournament operations, in what is the first-ever deal between the two organisations.
The 2026 World Cup will be the largest ever held, with 48 teams playing 104 matches. In partnership with FIFA, Verizon will help cater for the influx of fans, players and visitors around the US through its networks across stadiums, communities and cities. Verizon already has a wide presence at the NFL venues that will host games during the tournament.
In addition, Verizon will deploy a programme for international fans to access the Verizon network upon landing in the USA and Canada, in an effort to ensure a reliable connection for all visitors.
In February, MetLife Stadium saw off competition from AT&T Stadium to land hosting rights for the 2026 World Cup final. The home of the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets will host the final on Sunday, July 19.
FIFA announced the 16 host cities for the 2026 World Cup back in June 2022. MetLife Stadium was selected to host the final ahead of AT&T Stadium, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, which will host a semi-final.
Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host the other semi-final, while the third-place play-off, dubbed the ‘bronze final’ by FIFA, will take place at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. From the quarter-final stage onwards, all matches will take place in the US.
Verizon’s deal with FIFA also names it a tournament supporter in the USA for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, hosting rights for which were awarded to Brazil in May. “The FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Women’s World Cup are events that bring together global communities with a shared passion for the game,” said Hans Vestberg, chairman and CEO of Verizon.
“Verizon is committed to powering experiences that fans love, whether they’re on the ground or on the go. Our partnership with FIFA will power this connection for football fans around the world and enable the type of experience that only Verizon can deliver.”
