How a penalty by the US in the World Cup could score you free pizza

A penalty for Team USA at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will come with an unexpected consolation prize: free pizza for tens of thousands of people.

Domino’s is gearing up for soccer’s biggest event, announcing on Monday that it will give away $1 million worth of pizzas if any player from the U.S. soccer team receives a red card.

The serious penalty will trigger more than 60,000 winners to be selected at random to receive a free medium two-topping pizza.

“Soccer gurus know the worst thing to happen in a game is for a player on the team you’re rooting for to receive a red card,” said Kate Trumbull, Domino’s executive vice president.

“If that happens to the American squad, Domino’s is here to ease the pain by giving away Emergency Pizzas. It may not change the outcome of the match, but it can provide a delicious pick-me-up when it’s needed most.”

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Red cards are issued to players for more serious offenses during matches, which can be anything from misconduct to unsportsmanlike behavior to violent actions.

The penalty can be quite detrimental to a team. Players who receive a red card are immediately removed from the game and are unable to participate in the rest of the match. The consequences go even further for red cards issued during the FIFA World Cup, as players who are dismissed are also barred from starting in the next match.

Those looking for a chance to profit from any potential U.S. red cards must register on Domino’s website before June 10 at 11:59 p.m. ET for a chance to win. They must also be enrolled in Domino’s Rewards program to qualify.

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Fans selected for a free Emergency Pizza have until August 2, 2026, to redeem their free pie.

In the case of no red cards, Domino’s will also surprise players of the video game EA Sports FC 26 with 75,000 free Emergency Pizzas.

Every Friday until June 5, Domino’s will give out a unique promo code in the game to randomly selected players that will allow them to get a free medium two-topping pie.

“Maybe players loaded into EA SPORTS FC 26 on an empty stomach or perhaps their fridge is bare — whatever the reason, Domino’s is here to provide the emergency assist,” the company said.

Domino’s also announced a limited-time line of co-branded merchandise with Saturdays Football, that includes jerseys, a cap and slides.

The World Cup will take place across the U.S., Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.

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