FIFA World Cup 2026 takes flight in South Africa, sponsored by Visa, courtesy of FNB
First National Bank (FNB) and Visa have joined forces to launch an exciting campaign titled "It starts here" for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place from June 11, 2026, across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This partnership emphasizes inclusivity, celebrates talent, and aims to elevate the global spirit of soccer.
As official sponsors, both FNB and Visa are committed to providing South African fans and others opportunities to experience football’s biggest stage live. The campaign is designed to engage fans and celebrate the excitement of the World Cup, marking a significant milestone for both brands in their association with this global event.
Visa has been actively preparing through other FIFA events such as the FIFA Club World Cup, using these occasions as testing grounds to enhance fan experiences and payment technology activation leading up to the World Cup. FNB, as a South African brand, views the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a powerful opportunity to live its legacy of 'help,' 'hope,' and 'togetherness.'
The partnership between FNB and Visa sees both companies as committed to ensuring that the spirit of the tournament resonates far beyond the stadium and into local communities. Faye Mfikwe, Chief Marketing Officer at FNB, states that the partnership with Visa for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is more than a sponsorship and is a celebration of possibility, progress, and national pride.
While specific competition details and exact rewards under the "It starts here" campaign are not explicitly outlined, the partnership signals a focus on fan engagement through inclusive campaigns and experiences tied to the World Cup excitement. Winners of the competition will also receive exclusive tournament-branded merchandise.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest ever, with matches being played in 16 cities across the three host countries. The tournament will feature 48 teams, an increase from the current 32 teams. Zeyad Davids, Head of Marketing for Visa, Sub-Saharan Africa, mentions that Visa is proud to join forces with FNB to bring the excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup closer to South African fans.
FNB remains committed to contributing to a global movement that uses soccer to create a better future for all. The "It starts here" campaign is designed to connect communities and fans through FNB and Visa's payment technologies and innovations. This partnership promises to deepen fan connection and provide exciting chances connected with the World Cup, underscoring the commitment of both sponsors to the world's premier football tournament.
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-sponsored by FNB and Visa, aims to engage fans through the "It starts here" campaign, offering opportunities for South African fans to experience the excitement of the event live.
- FNB, leveraging its values of 'help,' 'hope,' and 'togetherness,' sees the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a significant chance to connect with local communities and celebrate soccer's global spirit.
- Visa's active participation in other FIFA events, like the FIFA Club World Cup, has helped them test and enhance payment technology, aiming to deliver an exceptional fan experience during the World Cup.
- Both FNB and Visa's partnership for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is more than a sponsorship; it's a celebration of possibility, progress, and national pride, signaling a focus on creating innovative experiences tied to the tournament and fan engagement.
