Marking the one-year countdown, Visa kicks off exclusive fan access and experiences tied to one of the sport’s most exciting young stars and more to come as the tournament approaches

With exactly one year to go until the FIFA World Cup 26™ kicks off across Canada, Mexico and the United States, Visa (NYSE: V) — a global leader in digital payments and long-standing supporter of world football — today announced that Lamine Yamal, one of the game’s brightest rising stars, will serve as a global ambassador for the tournament.

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Football phenom Lamine Yamal waves alongside headline announcing Visa signed him as a Global Ambassador for the FIFA World Cup 2026™

To celebrate the milestone and build momentum toward the largest FIFA World Cup™ in history, Visa will unlock exclusive fan experiences for cardholders — including meet-and-greet opportunities with Lamine Yamal in Barcelona and signed merchandise leading into FIFA World Cup 26™.

“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, Visa. “In Lamine’s case, it’s about honoring the sport’s legacy and giving back to the fans who power it.”

Yamal is captivating the football world with record-setting performances, and his skill, speed and vision on the field have made him a breakout global star — and a symbol of where the game is heading. As its global ambassador, Lamine Yamal stated, “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 an Official Payment Technology Partner of FIFA, Visa has used the power of football to drive inclusion and access around the world — from grassroots programs to global stages. Through innovative fan experiences, athlete partnerships and exclusive cardholder benefits, Visa continues to redefine what’s possible for fans, players, and the future of the game.

As part of its commitment to uplifting communities through the power of sport, Visa has deepened its partnership with Street Soccer USA (SSUSA) to create six community-driven soccer parks in San Francisco, Denver, Kansas City, New York City, Nashville and Atlanta. More than just fields, these parks are designed to uplift and build stronger and more connected communities — where individuals can connect, grow, and thrive. To learn more about how Visa and SSUSA are working together to offer a safe and supportive environment for communities to engage in physical activity while fostering a sense of unity and belonging through the Visa Street Soccer parks, click here.

About Visa

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.

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Marking the one-year countdown, Visa kicks off exclusive fan access and experiences tied to one of the sport’s most exciting young stars and more to come as the tournament approaches