Bank of America, FIFA fund 4,547 free World Cup tickets for veterans

Bank of America, FIFA and Veteran Tickets Foundation, known as Vet Tix, announced a $2.25 million World Cup ticket program on June 3, giving 4,547 free tickets to veterans, active-duty service members, first responders and their families who live in or near host cities. The tickets will be distributed through Vet Tix and 1st Tix, and the package includes seats in multiple categories, including the semifinals and the final.

The 2026 World Cup will spread 104 matches across Canada, Mexico and the United States, with 78 games on U.S. soil. The American portion opens June 12 in Los Angeles and ends July 19 with the final in New York/New Jersey. Ticket distribution begins with the second men’s World Cup match played in the United States and continues through the tournament final.

The funding is split between Bank of America, which contributed $2 million, and Vet Tix, which added $250,000. Roughly 250 tickets will be set aside for each U.S. men’s match as part of a commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Vet Tix’s sister organization, 1st Tix, was created in 2018 to provide free event tickets to current and former first responders and their families. Vet Tix is a national nonprofit that gives veterans, active-duty military members and their families access to live events, and this World Cup program extends that model to a tournament whose U.S. matches are concentrated in major metro areas with large public demand.

Army veteran Mark Garcia and his wife Billie attended a Portugal-Uzbekistan World Cup match on June 23 through a similar ticket program and called it one of the best sporting experiences they had ever had. Local governments have also set aside tickets, including Bergen County, New Jersey, where first responders are being offered tickets through a separate lottery for three matches at New Jersey New York Stadium.