Verizon surprises customers with first-ever pitchside 'Golden Tickets' at World Cup draw event in NYC
The global excitement for FIFA World Cup 2026™ officially arrived in New York City as Verizon, the Official Telecommunication Services Sponsor, hosted an electric live event with the Men In Blazers (MiB) network to celebrate the World Cup Draw.
Held in the Grand Ballroom at Manhattan Center, the event was part of Verizon’s commitment to bringing customers closer than anyone else to the world’s biggest sporting event.
MiB host Roger Bennett, joined by top soccer analysts Rory Smith and James Horncastle, captivated a packed crowd of fans and Verizon customers. They delivered their signature blend of witty humor and keen insight, breaking down the results of the World Cup Draw in real time.
Ultimate Access Delivered: Pitchside Golden Tickets
The loudest roar of the afternoon was the reveal of the Golden Ticket giveaway. Verizon surprised eight lucky customers in the audience with coveted Golden Tickets, granting them unprecedented pitchside access to watch a portion of a FIFA World Cup 2026™ match from the sidelines.
Their stories reflected just how meaningful the opportunity was.
“I’m so thankful for this. I’ve been a longtime Verizon customer, and obviously it’s paid off. The one sport my mom watches is the World Cup, so I think it will be fitting that my mom comes with me.” - Eric Naranjo
“This is an amazing perk. I’ve been with Verizon for more than 20 years at this point.” Crystal Isley
It was also a moment that highlighted deep family bonds and shared memories.
“I’ve been playing soccer since I was three years old and [my dad] has been someone who has gone to every tournament. He sent me to play at a residency academy in Arizona when I was 15, and supported all my dreams. So to be able to attend a game with him is just a bucket list goal.” - Diego Cadena (winner) and his father Fernando Cadena
“My dad, me and him - this sport is everything to us so me and him are going to the match. It’s incredible, I didn’t expect this. Little kid me is freaking out still. I just can’t explain how good I feel right now.” - Khristian Nascimento
This unique prize is a central piece of Verizon’s broader partnership, which includes hundreds of Golden Tickets for exclusive pitchside viewing, alongside thousands of general admission tickets to World Cup matches through Verizon Ultimate Access.
There will be many more opportunities to win on the road to the World Cup. Visit Verizon.com/FIFA to learn more
