SAN FRANCISCO -- 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 — announced that Lamine Yamal, one of the game’s brightest rising  stars, will serve as a global ambassador for the tournament.
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.