Global soccer’s governing body FIFA has extended its major commercial tie-up with international credit card giant Visa.

Through an extension unveiled yesterday, Visa will continue to hold rights as an official FIFA partner through 2026.

The brand will carry on as FIFA’s payment technology partner on a global basis, aiming to “provide a seamless and secure commerce experience for FIFA's passionate fans on-site.”

Visa has been a major FIFA partner since 2007, with the last tie-up between the two parties having come in late 2021 with an expiry date set for June this year. That tie-up focused on the FIFA Women’s World Cup, held in mid-2023 across Australia and New Zealand.

Visa cardholders will also receive exclusive access throughout FIFA tournaments (such as the 2026 men’s World Cup in Canada, the US, and Mexico) while they will also be the beneficiaries of pre-sale periods for FIFA events.

There will, in addition, be promotions both at FIFA stores and via the online FIFAstore.com site.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino 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 its 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.”

In terms of recent FIFA commercial activity, the governing body extended its partnership with Qatar Airways in late November, and with Panini in mid-December until at least 2030.

Oliver Jenkyn, Visa's group president, of global markets, added: “We’re excited to continue our long-standing partnership and deliver seamless payment experiences as part of one of the world’s most popular sporting events.”

In terms of its other soccer sponsorships, meanwhile, Visa and the Asian Football Confederation announced a regional partnership.

The credit card heavyweight has also become, as of this week, the title sponsor for a Formula 1 motor racing team.