The FIFA World Cup has finally made its way over to the United States for the first time in over 30 years and, believe me, grabbing a ticket to this event was no easy feat. As a long time soccer fan, there was no way I was going to get any chance to see some of the biggest games live. But even I couldn’t believe the kind of experience that only a select lucky few will get if they are fast enough to grab them.

Cosmopolitan was invited to go behind-the-scenes of Verzion’s exclusive FIFA World Cup 2026 experience which includes the opportunity for some fans to catch part of the game pitchside.

First thing first was to get to the stadium, obviously, which luckily did not take me that long thanks to being an NJ local and I got there about 20 minutes before kickoff. Verizon’s experience included a special section for us in the lower bowl of the New York New Jersey stadium which actually valued at $625 per person. For the record, I have tickets to several other matches in the stadium that are half the price, but all the way up in the final rows of the upper bowls of the venue.

This alone was totally worth the opportunity, especially with a match as tight as France vs. Senegal. Even my sister was begging to switch places with me for the chance to experience it for herself. The intense rivalry between the two nations in the sport have certainly made it a match for the ages and a dream game in the tournament.

After enjoying the view from near the midfield, we were picked up by a representative about 35 minutes into the first half to head down for the pitchside experience. We did have to watch the last few minutes on our phones, but what came next was unlike any other opportunity I’ve ever had.

Listen, I’ve gone to dozens of games in my lifetime. From a Barcelona FC vs. Real Madrid El Clásico match to my previous experiences as a season ticket holder to Gotham FC. However, I’ve never been able to catch a game from while standing on the same field as the players. It felt like I could put on a jersey and step onto the game as a player.

Of course, no one would want that as my skills are, well, not on the level of these players. But seeing Mbappé up close as he waited to strike that ball into the goal was something that I will never forget. Along with the lucky Verzion customers who won tickets, we got to take in the first 10 minutes of the second half in right up close before heading back to our seats in the lower bowl.

After taking some pics with the mascots of the World Cup—Maple for Canada, Zayu for Mexico, and Clutch for the US—we also appeared on the jumbotron before the whistle blew to start off the second half. So, thankfully, I got proof that this all actually happened.

This is just one of the few experiences that fans can win via Verizon Shine. There’s an additional chance to score tickets to FIFA World Cup 2026 final on July 19th, although there are plenty of other fun opportunities like A WILD dance tutorial with KATSEYE in Paris, France and Young Miko tickets and meet & greet at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington.

As someone who dreamed of going to a World Cup match in my lifetime, I still can’t believe that this is actually an option. It’s the kind of experience that you dream about, but don’t think is real. The chance to see a World Cup game in-person, not to mention one right on the field, is slim-to-none. Usually, you have to be working the match or volunteering in order to get that opportunity. Not only was it an honor to experience it, but also to get to share it with the other lucky folks who were down by the field with me. And that is something I will never forget.