Vet Tix, FIFA and Bank of America, the official bank of the FIFA World Cup 2026, announced a collaboration to offer $2.25 million in free World Cup 2026 tickets to first responders, veterans and their families who reside in or close to FIFA World Cup host cities. Tickets for all tournament stages will be sold through Vet Tix beginning with the second game played in the United States. The initiative is just one way the bank is celebrating America's 250th birthday and its service members.

“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.”

In addition to Vet Tix's $250,000 contribution, Bank of America will provide $2 million to Vet Tix as part of the program to promote the purchase and distribution of match tickets throughout all 11 host cities in the United States. In celebration of America's 250th anniversary, 250 tickets will be reserved for U.S. Men's National Team matches during the tournament. Tickets will be available from the group stage through the final.

Honorably discharged veterans and active military personnel can register for an account on the Vet Tix website to qualify for the tickets. Registration is available on the 1st Tix website for both active and retired first responders, including police enforcement, fire, emergency medical services registered nurses, and 9-1-1 dispatchers. You can register on both sites for free. ID.me securely verifies eligibility for both programs.

Vet Tix and 1st Tix members will receive an email alert to reserve complimentary tickets to a local match as soon as FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets become available.

“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.”

“At FIFA, we believe football is far more than just a game – it is a powerful force for good,” said FIFA president, Gianni Infantino. “As the United States marks its 250th anniversary during this historic tournament, we are proud to work alongside Bank of America, the Official Bank Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026, and Vet Tix to help ensure veterans and military families across the country can be part of the greatest global sports tournament ever.”

The bank will also open its iconic Bank of America Fan Experience on Washington, D.C.'s National Mall as part of its America 250 celebration. The fan experience will be a part of FIFA and Freedom 250's FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Zone, a free, family-friendly event with live match viewing, youth programming, interactive exhibits, cultural showcases, cuisine and music.

For the duration of the FIFA World Cup, from June 11 to July 19, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Zone in Washington, D.C., will be open. FIFA World Cup 2026 memorabilia and a display of Soccer at Schools—an effort with U.S. Soccer through the Soccer Forward Foundation aimed at making soccer available in every school nationwide by 2030—will be included in the Bank of America Fan Experience.