FIFA World Cup 2026 kicked off in New York City in a grand fashion thanks to Verizon.
An ultimate day accomplished a global-level sensation with the telecommunications brand that proved on June 16 that they have set the bar high for a soccer season that will please consumers and fans equally.
The France vs. Senegal match at Metlife Stadium left the French players in the lead with a winning score of 3-1. They may have left the field the winners of the day, but for the Verizon customers who were in the arena as part of coveted platform giveaway participants they went home with far more then one step closer on the player bracket. They went home with a dream come true and a lifetime of memories.
Thrilling excitement filled the sun-drenched day and two lucky Verizon Access customers from Long Island revealed they had a true “pinch me” moment to have won a VIP experience to be at the game. The other nearly dozen Verizon customers there for the day were also there thanks to the innovative platform.
Sitting close enough to the action they got whiff of the green turf and were in proximity of witnessing the sweat drip from the amazing athletes foreheads on the field. They ran fast and kicked for hours while these Verizon Access guests got to take in each heart-stopping moment with gleeful anticipation.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JUNE 16: FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between France and Senegal at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 16, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jordan Bank – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
The joy for these grateful sweepstakes winners got even more elevated when they got an escorted experience down to the pitchside where they had impressive access for the match. A great moment only to be topped by getting an actual appearance on the jumbotron that left those in the stadium looking up and waving at these folks with huge smiles.

(By The Knockturnal)
It was a golden day like no other that took the spotlight at World Cup. And no Verizon is giving consumers a chance to continue this kind of magic on further.
Verizon’s new loyalty program for all customers includes the groundbreaking Verizon Shine. Building on the foundation of Verizon Access, Verizon Shine transforms Verizon’s loyalty experience into a year-round rewards destination that makes it easy for every customer to discover and enjoy exclusive benefits, daily rewards and extraordinary experiences.
With weekly sweepstakes, daily drops and a wider variety of offers spanning sports, entertainment, dining and more, Verizon Shine gives customers more opportunities to feel recognized and rewarded all year long.
The first Verizon Shine experience launches June 22 and includes an epic three-day trip where winners get tickets to attend the Final on July 19 and participate in a VIP event with David Beckham.

(By The Knockturnal)
And that is not all that is making Verizon a shining star in the industry. As part of a ongoing transformation, Verizon is replacing complexity and friction with simplicity and true customer choice. The company is putting its customers first—existing and new—by redefining loyalty and eliminating activation and upgrade fees. As part of the customer-centered reboot, Verizon is also launching “Verizon Simplicity,” the industry’s most simple and cost-effective plan. With Simplicity, there are no network tiers; everyone gets Verizon’s best 5G network. Also available starting today, the company launched Verizon One, a streamlined plan that combines Mobility and Home on one bill with taxes and fees included.
“We’re fundamentally reshaping Verizon inside and out to put the customer at the center of everything we do. We’re listening, designing for them, and moving faster than we ever have before,” said Dan Schulman, Verizon CEO. “For too long, this industry has burdened people with complex plans, forced upgrades they don’t need, and so-called ‘rewards’ with tons of caveats. We are working to ensure everything that we do is simple, clear and delightful.”
Leading the way to make consumers happy, it is part of Verizon’s multi-year transformation, redefining its relationship with customers now and for the long-term.
“With today’s news, we’re doubling down on what customers actually want: simpler experiences, less friction and more rewards for being a customer. We’re putting meaningful value back in their pockets, and making it feel easy and intuitive,” said Alfonso Villanueva, Interim CEO, Verizon Consumer Group and Verizon Chief Transformation Officer.
Here is to a company that is ready to get the goal and win big for the World Cup and beyond.