Yuma native surprised with once-in-a-lifetime World Cup experience

PHOENIX (KYMA, KECY) -  A Yuma native and lifelong soccer fan is getting the chance to live out a dream many can only imagine. Xavier Moore, born and raised in Yuma, recently received a surprise call from Major League Soccer star Hirving “Chucky” Lozano that changed his summer plans entirely.

Moore, who now lives in Phoenix, was on a break from work when the call came. On the other end, Lozano informed him that he had won tickets and on-field access to a FIFA World Cup 2026 match this summer in Los Angeles — a moment that left Moore fighting back tears.

“I’ve been loving soccer since I was four years old,” Moore said. “I stopped playing in my early 20s when I got a construction job, but I’ve always loved the sport. This is a dream come true. Me and my dad have been talking about going to a World Cup game since I was little, and now we both get to go.”

The opportunity came through Verizon’s Ultimate Access program, which allowed winners to score a “Golden Call” video chat with a roster of top soccer talent — and, in Moore’s case, a direct surprise from Lozano himself. Verizon is the official telecommunications sponsor for FIFA and has been giving fans unique experiences leading up to the tournament.

For Moore, the excitement goes beyond just seeing a match. “It brings everyone together, watching the game, supporting your country,” he said. “Being on the pitch side, it’s going to be incredible. I’m going to see some European players I’ve never seen before. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

When asked who he was rooting for, Moore admitted it was impossible to pick just one team. “I root for both the United States and Mexico — both nationalities are part of me. If they play each other… I just can’t choose,” he laughed.

Moore’s reaction to the surprise call was emotional and genuine. “I didn’t expect it at all,” he said. “I wanted to cry. I did cry a little, but I couldn’t in front of my coworkers. It caught me completely off guard.”

The experience isn’t just about seeing a match for Moore — it’s about sharing a lifelong passion with his father and celebrating the sport that has inspired him since childhood. “It’s really cool for the two of us,” Moore said.

Fans and locals can watch Moore’s emotional Golden Call, which was captured on video and shared by Verizon, highlighting a moment that combines the thrill of soccer with the joy of a dream fulfilled.