Verizon named Official Telecommunication Services Sponsor for FIFA World Cup 26™ and Official Tournament Supporter for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™

Rhea-AI Summary

Verizon has been named the Official Telecommunication Services Sponsor for FIFA World Cup 26™ in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., as well as an Official Tournament Supporter for FIFA Women's World Cup 2027™ in the U.S. This marks the first-ever agreement between FIFA and Verizon. For FIFA World Cup 26, Verizon will provide connectivity services across stadiums, official sites, and tournament operations.

The partnership aims to power experiences for fans, players, media, and visitors, ensuring everyone can follow the action. Verizon will deploy a program for international fans to access their network in the U.S. and Canada. For the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027™ in Brazil, Verizon will bring experiences for U.S. fans, including activations, giveaways, and player meet-and-greets.

Positive

• Verizon secures sponsorship for two major FIFA events, potentially increasing brand visibility
• Partnership may lead to increased revenue opportunities through new customer acquisitions
• Verizon's network capabilities will be showcased on a global stage
• Opportunity to expand international customer base through network access program

Negative

• None.

Insights

Marketing Strategist

This partnership marks a significant strategic move for Verizon, positioning them at the forefront of global sports telecommunications. By becoming the Official Telecommunication Services Sponsor for FIFA World Cup 26™ and a Tournament Supporter for FIFA Women's World Cup 2027™, Verizon gains unparalleled brand exposure on an international stage.

The deal offers Verizon multiple benefits:

• Enhanced brand visibility among a massive global audience
• Opportunity to showcase network capabilities in high-demand scenarios
• Potential for new customer acquisition, especially among international visitors
• Strengthened position in the sports and entertainment sector

However, the impact on Verizon's bottom line may be in the short term due to the significant investment required for such sponsorships. The long-term value lies in brand building and potential customer growth, particularly in the lead-up to and during the events in 2026 and 2027.

Investors should view this as a strategic long-term play rather than an immediate revenue driver. The true test will be Verizon's ability to leverage this partnership for tangible business growth and customer retention in the years following these high-profile events.

• Deal marks first-ever agreement between FIFA and the world-class network provider
• Verizon will power experiences for fans and customers leading up to, during, and after FIFA World Cup 26™, while also ensuring state-of-the-art connectivity across stadiums
• Collaboration to ensure everyone across the tournament can follow every second of the action
  

NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- An agreement between Verizon and FIFA was announced today, with the world-class network provider named the Official Telecommunication Services Sponsor for the FIFA World Cup 26™ in Canada, Mexico and the U.S., as well as a Tournament Supporter in the U.S for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™.

Building on Verizon’s reputation as the go-to communications network partner of choice for sports and entertainment powerhouses, Verizon will now be powering future FIFA World Cup experiences for fans, players, media and more. For the FIFA World Cup 26, Verizon’s connectivity services will play a vital role across stadiums, official sites and various parts of the tournament operations, in what is the first-ever deal between the two organizations.

“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 Chief Executive Officer 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 soccer fans around the world and enable the type of experience that only Verizon can deliver.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino added: “Football unites the world, and to unite the world we need to ensure that everyone is connected. Verizon is joining us on this journey to make football truly global, and will create the network that brings fans, players, partners and media alike together in 2026. We believe in the power of unity and, together, we’re excited about how Verizon’s involvement in these two groundbreaking tournaments can help grow the global game.”

The FIFA World Cup 26, the pinnacle of men’s soccer, is coming to the U.S. for the first time since 1994 – as well as Canada and Mexico – and 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 country – ensuring that networks across stadiums, communities and cities keep fans, players and every attendee connected to all of the action. In addition, Verizon will deploy a program for international fans to access the Verizon network upon landing in the U.S. and Canada, ensuring a reliable connection for all visitors.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ will be the tenth edition of the tournament, with 32 nations competing for glory. Brazil will host the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ for the first time, becoming the first ever South American nation to host the competition. The U.S. has hosted the competition twice and won it four times.

As an Official Tournament Supporter for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ in the U.S., Verizon will bring experiences for fans leading up to, during and after the games, including activations, unique giveaways, player meet-and-greets ahead of the tournament, and more.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) powers and empowers how its millions of customers live, work and play, delivering on their demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity and security. Headquartered in New York City, serving countries worldwide and nearly all of the Fortune 500, Verizon generated revenues of $134.0 billion in 2023. Verizon’s world-class team never stops innovating to meet customers where they are today and equip them for the needs of tomorrow. For more, visit verizon.com or find a retail location at verizon.com/stores.

VERIZON’S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at verizon.com/news. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.

Media contacts:
Katrina Cabrera
katrina.cabrera@verizon.com

FIFA Media Department 
media@fifa.org

FAQ

What is Verizon's role in FIFA World Cup 26™?

Verizon is the Official Telecommunication Services Sponsor for FIFA World Cup 26™ in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., providing connectivity services across stadiums, official sites, and tournament operations.

How will Verizon support FIFA Women's World Cup 2027™?

Verizon is an Official Tournament Supporter for FIFA Women's World Cup 2027™ in the U.S., offering fan experiences, activations, giveaways, and player meet-and-greets.

Will Verizon (VZ) provide network access for international visitors during FIFA World Cup 26™?

Yes, Verizon will deploy a program for international fans to access their network upon landing in the U.S. and Canada during FIFA World Cup 26™.

When and where will FIFA World Cup 26™ take place?

FIFA World Cup 26™ will take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. It will be the largest ever held, with 48 teams playing 104 matches.