With one year to go until kickoff, Visa unveils fan-focused experiences and community investments
With exactly one year remaining until the FIFA World Cup 26™ begins across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, Visa — a global leader in digital payments and official FIFA partner — has announced football sensation Lamine Yamal as its official global ambassador for the tournament.
Widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in world football, Yamal joins Visa in a campaign to celebrate the tournament’s buildup and deliver exclusive fan experiences leading into the most expansive FIFA World Cup™ in history. The tournament, which begins in June 2026, will feature 48 teams competing across three countries — a first for the sport.
To commemorate the one-year countdown, Visa is launching a series of promotions and fan opportunities for cardholders, including:
- Meet-and-greet experiences with Lamine Yamal in Barcelona
- Access to signed merchandise
- Opportunities to attend exclusive events leading into the tournament
“As we look ahead to FIFA World Cup 26™, we’re aligning with like-minded athletes and brands who share our vision for using football to uplift and unite,” said Andrea Fairchild, SVP, Global Sponsorship Strategy at Visa. “In Lamine’s case, it’s about honoring the sport’s legacy and giving back to the fans who power it.”
At just 16, Lamine Yamal has already made headlines with his record-breaking performances and dynamic style of play. His meteoric rise is seen as symbolic of football’s evolving future — fast, technical, and globally connected. Speaking on the announcement, Yamal said:
“Football is more than a game; it’s joy and a way to connect with people around the world. I’m proud to partner with Visa to share that passion and inspire people through sport.”
As the Official Payment Technology Partner of FIFA, Visa continues to leverage global football to advance inclusion and community engagement. Beyond commercial efforts, Visa is also investing in grassroots infrastructure, announcing the expansion of its partnership with Street Soccer USA (SSUSA) to launch six Visa Street Soccer Parks in U.S. cities: San Francisco, Denver, Kansas City, New York City, Nashville, and Atlanta.
These community-built parks aim to foster access to sport, social inclusion, and local development. “More than just fields,” Visa notes, “these parks are designed to build stronger and more connected communities — where individuals can grow, connect, and thrive.”
The partnership with Yamal, combined with Visa’s ongoing community initiatives, reinforces the company’s commitment to not just support the game’s biggest stage — but to help shape its future.
For updates on Visa’s FIFA World Cup 26™ plans and fan activations, visit www.visa.com.
