Thousands of free World Cup tickets available for veterans, military members and first responders

FILE - Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates with the trophy in front of the fans after winning the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, FIle) (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) (Martin Meissner/AP)

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Veterans, active-duty military members and first responders will have a chance to attend FIFA World Cup 2026 matches for free through a new partnership that was announced on Wednesday by Bank of America, FIFA and Vet Tix.

Leer en español

The organizations said they will provide more than 4,500 tickets valued at $2.25 million to eligible veterans, military personnel, first responders and their families who live in or near World Cup host cities across the United States.

The tickets will be distributed through Vet Tix and 1st Tix and will be available for matches beginning with the second game played in the U.S.

The giveaway includes tickets for every stage of the tournament, from the group stage through the final.

“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,” said Vet Tix Founder, CEO, and U.S. Navy veteran Michael A. Focareto III in a news release.

According to organizers, 250 tickets will be reserved for U.S. Men’s National Team matches as part of celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary.

Honorably discharged veterans and current military members can register through Vet Tix, while current and retired first responders — including law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, registered nurses and 911 dispatchers — can sign up through 1st Tix.

Eligibility will be verified through ID.me.

Members will receive email notifications when tickets become available in their area.

Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.

About The Author
Ryan Mackey

Ryan Mackey

Ryan Mackey is a Digital Journalist at WPLG. He was born on Long Island, New York, and has lived in Sunrise, Florida, since 1994.