PHILADELPHIA, PA — Bank of America and FIFA have committed $2.25 million to provide thousands of free FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets to veterans, active-duty military personnel, first responders, and their families, expanding access to matches across the United States, including games scheduled in Philadelphia.
The initiative, announced in partnership with nonprofit ticket-distribution organization Vet Tix, comes as the United States prepares to host the expanded FIFA World Cup during the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Bank of America will contribute $2 million toward ticket purchases and distribution, while Vet Tix will provide an additional $250,000.
According to the organizations, the funding will make 4,547 World Cup tickets available across all 11 U.S. host cities. The tickets will be distributed beginning with the second match played in the United States and will be available through every stage of the tournament, including the final.
A total of 250 tickets have been reserved for U.S. Men’s National Team matches in recognition of America’s semiquincentennial.
“We are deeply grateful to partner with Bank of America and FIFA to help make 4,547 FIFA World Cup tickets available to the veteran, military and first responder communities we proudly serve,” Vet Tix founder and CEO Michael A. Focareto III said. He described the opportunity as a chance for recipients and their families to create lasting memories while participating in one of the world’s largest sporting events.
Eligibility extends to honorably discharged veterans, active-duty military personnel, and current or retired first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, registered nurses, and 911 dispatchers.
Veterans and active military members can register at vettix.org, while eligible first responders can register through 1sttix.org. Both programs verify eligibility through ID.me. Once tickets become available, registered members will receive email notifications with instructions on how to obtain them.
The ticket initiative is part of a broader effort by Bank of America, the official bank sponsor of FIFA World Cup 2026, to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary.
“As the United States marks its 250th anniversary during this historic tournament, we are proud to work alongside Bank of America and Vet Tix to help ensure veterans and military families across the country can be part of the greatest global sports tournament ever,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said.
The bank also plans to operate a Bank of America Fan Experience on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., as part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Zone organized by FIFA and Freedom 250. The attraction will run from June 11 through July 19 and feature live match viewing, youth programming, exhibits, food, music, and soccer-related activities.
Philadelphia is one of the tournament’s U.S. host cities and is expected to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors during the event, making the ticket program particularly relevant for veterans, military families, and first responders in southeastern Pennsylvania seeking access to World Cup matches.
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