(Courtesy Bank of America)
CHARLOTTE, NC – Bank of America, the official bank of FIFA World Cup 2026™, Vet Tix and FIFA will partner to provide $2.25 million in free World Cup 2026 tickets to military veterans, current military and first responders, and their families, who live in or near FIFA World Cup host cities. The tickets will be available through Vet Tix starting with the second match played in the U.S. and will include all stages of the tournament. The effort is just one way the bank is honoring America’s 250th birthday celebration and those who serve.
“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. “The opportunity for our members and their families to experience the energy, pride, and global celebration surrounding the World Cup in all 11 cities across the United States represents far more than attending a sporting event. It’s an opportunity to create unforgettable family memories and honor those who continue to serve our nation and communities every day.”
As part of the initiative, BofA will contribute $2 million to Vet Tix to support the purchase and distribution of match tickets across all 11 Host Cities in the United States to add to the $250,000 also being provided by Vet Tix. Tickets will be available from the group stage to the final, with 250 tickets being set aside for U.S. Men’s National Team matches during the tournament in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
To be eligible for the tickets, honorably discharged veterans and currently serving military members can sign up for an account at the Vet Tix website. Current and retired first responders — including law enforcement, fire, EMS, registered nurses, and 911 dispatchers — can register at the 1st Tix website. Both platforms are free to sign up. Eligibility for both programs is securely verified through ID.me.
Once the FIFA World Cup 2026™ tickets are available, Vet Tix and 1st Tix members will receive an email alert to secure free tickets to a match in their area.
“Bank of America has hired thousands of veterans and military family members, donated thousands of homes to wounded warriors and first responders, and served the military with specialized products and services for more than a century. We feel privileged to support Vet Tix in making tickets to the great games of the World Cup available to thousands more,” said Larry Di Rita, Bank of America President of Greater Washington D.C. “We also look forward to welcoming visitors to the National Mall for a great experience at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fan Zone here in our nation’s capital.”
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fan Zone Washington D.C. will be open June 11 – July 19, the entire length of the FIFA World Cup. The BofA Fan Experience will feature FIFA World Cup 2026™ memorabilia and a demonstration of Soccer at Schools, an initiative with U.S. Soccer through the Soccer Forward Foundation designed to make soccer accessible to every school across the country by 2030.
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