FIFA has extended its global partnership with Visa until 2027 ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The world football governing body announced Visa as its Official Payment Technology Partner, which extends the existing partnership between the two organisations, an agreement that has been built on a longstanding relationship that has seen the payment giant at more than 40 FIFA events since 2007.
Gianni Infantino, FIFA President, said: “FIFA is thrilled to partner with Visa and to focus our strong partnership on what will be a very bright future.
“Visa’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the fan experience, coupled with their innovative approach to payment technology, aligns with FIFA’s vision to make football truly global and accessible to all. We look forward to delivering exceptional moments for fans across the globe.”
FIFA plans to leverage insights from the payment company’s white paper titled ‘Digital Fans: How Connected Experiences Can Power the Future of Fandom’. The paper highlighted how it can engage fans, promote growth and encourage commerce.
Romy Gai, FIFA Chief Business Officer, commented: “Since 2007 Visa has been instrumental in elevating the payment experience at more than 40 FIFA events, including the recent FIFA World Cup in Qatar and last year’s record-setting FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
“While the fan journey has seen tremendous strides in the 16 years of partnership, FIFA and Visa have our sights set on a modernised digital, custom and frictionless commerce experience for FIFA World Cup 2026.”
However, the long standing relationship has not only benefited FIFA, as Oliver Jenkyn, Visa’s Group President of Global Markets at Visa, said that its alliance with FIFA yielded ‘immense benefits’ for its brand, clients and cardholders.
This year, Visa has shown its dedication to supporting the world of sports as it announced it will be sponsoring the Formula One team AlphaTauri. The deal led to a complete rebrand for the racing team and will now be called Visa Cash App RB.
The focal point of the FIFA deal is the World Cup in 2026, and through the partnership the company’s cardholders will receive exclusive and behind the scenes access throughout FIFA tournaments as well as Visa-cardholder pre-sale events, and other innovative promotions.
Frank Cooper, Chief Marketing Officer at Visa, added: “One of Visa’s primary goals in partnering with FIFA is to enrich the experience of both fans and athletes. The FIFA World Cup 26 presents a unique opportunity for Visa to achieve that goal.
“Although competitive sports is considered entertainment, it is also a thriving business. This allows Visa to operate at the intersection of culture and commerce, fulfilling the high expectations of our cardholders on match day, whether they are watching the excitement unfold in their living rooms or sitting at the heart of the action at midfield.”
