For soccer fans on Long Island, securing tickets to the FIFA World Cup has felt nearly impossible.
Whether it’s one of the matches scheduled for MetLife Stadium or games at other venues, prices have soared — and even getting selected for the opportunity to purchase tickets through FIFA’s lottery process has been like Charlie finding the golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.
But on Dec. 5 at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, Verizon created its own golden-ticket moment.
The official telecommunications services sponsor of FIFA World Cup 26 surprised eight lucky customers with once-in-a-lifetime access to attend a 2026 World Cup match — with the chance to watch part of the game directly from the pitch.
One of those eight winners was Huntington resident Greg Packer.
“Throughout the event, I was very anxious to see who was going to be lucky enough to be one of the winners of the World Cup tickets,” said Packer. “Little did I know that my name was going to be called as one of the lucky winners of tickets to this once in a lifetime opportunity to see a World Cup match. Thanks to Verizon for putting together the event but for the opportunity to attend a World Cup game of any kind.”
The live event, celebrating the World Cup Draw, was hosted by the Men In Blazers podcast team — Roger Bennett, Rory Smith and James Horncastle. Writer and comedian The Kid Mero also appeared as Verizon drew the eight winners for the Golden Tickets.
Packer does not yet know which match he will attend. But to him, that detail is secondary.
“I was hoping to be at any World Cup match anywhere against any two teams no matter what,” said Packer. “Being that the ticket prices for all the World Cup matches were going to be astronomical, I was ready to settle on seeing the World Cup either at a bar or at one of the viewing parties. I’m hoping it will be for the final on July 19th at MetLife Stadium but I will be thankful for any World Cup game between any two teams anywhere.”
Along with Packer, the other winners were Diego Cadena of Hyde Park, N.Y.; Michael Ferro of Jersey City, N.J.; Sebastian Piedrahita of Monmouth, N.J.; Shirley Chan of Long Island City; Khristian Nascimento of Neptune City, N.J.; Eric Naranjo of Jersey City, N.J.; and Crystal Isley of Brooklyn.
As for who Packer will bring to the match?
It sounds like friends and family may have some time to make their case.
“It’s definitely too early to tell,” said Packer. “I don’t know what game it will be, who is playing and where the game will be played so I don’t know who I plan on taking to the game.”
Top: Courtesy photo of the winners of Verizon World Cup ticket giveaway.
