Verizon has launched the first-ever "Golden Ticket" Sweepstakes in partnership with soccer legend David Beckham, offering customers unprecedented access to FIFA World Cup 26 matches. The program allows Verizon customers to enter for a chance to win hundreds of "Golden Tickets" that grant exclusive on-field viewing access during portions of World Cup games, bringing fans closer to the action than ever before.
The sweepstakes represents a significant development in corporate sponsorship benefits for major sporting events, demonstrating how telecommunications companies are leveraging their official partnerships to create unique customer experiences. As the official telecommunication services sponsor for FIFA World Cup 26, Verizon is positioning itself to deliver what it describes as "Verizon Ultimate Access" to the tournament, setting a new standard for fan engagement in global sports sponsorships.
This initiative follows Verizon's September announcement of its Ultimate Access campaign featuring David Beckham and an all-star roster of talent including Tim Howard, Alyssa and Gisele Thompson, and Chucky Lozano. The current sweepstakes period runs from November 6 through November 20, with customers able to enter exclusively through their My Verizon app via Verizon Access, the company's platform for exclusive events and experiences.
The importance of this program extends beyond the immediate prize offerings. It signals a shift in how corporate sponsors are approaching major international sporting events, moving from traditional advertising to creating tangible, immersive experiences for customers. The pitchside viewing opportunity represents a level of access previously unavailable to the general public, potentially influencing how future sponsors structure their fan engagement strategies.
For the sports industry, this type of sponsorship activation could establish new benchmarks for corporate partnerships at major tournaments. The program's structure, which rewards customer loyalty with exclusive experiences, may influence how other companies approach sponsorship benefits and customer retention strategies in the highly competitive telecommunications sector.
Verizon has indicated that this is just the beginning of its World Cup 26 initiatives, with plans to give away thousands of free tickets to games throughout 2026, including hundreds of additional "Golden Tickets" for pitchside viewing access. The company also promises a series of customer surprises, special events, merchandise collaborations, and other activations leading up to and during the tournament.
Non-Verizon customers who wish to participate can still enter by switching to Verizon services through nearby stores or by visiting Verizon.com/FIFA. The sweepstakes demonstrates how major sporting events are increasingly becoming platforms for companies to differentiate their customer experience offerings in competitive markets.
