David Beckham Opens Up About How ‘Sport Unites’ Loved Ones

David Beckham understands the power of sports.

“Sport unites people,” the retired soccer star, 50, tells PEOPLE in a conversation pegged to his partnership with Verizon for the 2026 World Cup. “There are moments of celebration and moments of pure drama. Football generates emotions.”

“What’s special is sharing those moments with the people you love,” he adds.

That’s why the legendary athlete says he has teamed up with telecommunications company, which has helped to transform the way people connect, compared to when he first hit the pitch in 1992.

“Thirty years ago, I’d have to wait until I got home after a game to call those close to me but now you can video call people live from the action,” he shares with PEOPLE, adding, “It’s completely changed how we share these special moments.”

Beckham — who shares Brooklyn, 26, Romeo, 23, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 14, with his wife Victoria Beckham — is joining forces with the brand to launch Verizon Ultimate Access to FIFA World Cup 26.

The campaign offers Verizon customers thousands of free tickets to the games in 16 host cities across the United States.

Plus, it provides fans with opportunities to win “Golden Tickets” for on-field pitch-side viewing, meet and greets and other exclusive experiences leading up to the tournament. The first round of free ticket drops begins on Thursday, Oct. 2.

Beckham’s team up with Verizon is just one of the many ventures he’s taken part in since hanging up his jersey in May 2013 after his 21-year career playing for Manchester United, Preston North End (on loan), Real Madrid, AC Milan (loan spells), LA Galaxy and Paris Saint-Germain.

“A lot of what I learned as an athlete has served me well within business. I think for me, the most important values are to maintain a strong work ethic and also the value of teamwork,” he tells PEOPLE.

“You can be great on your own,” he says, “But you can be even better as part of a team and no one should ever underestimate the power of that.”

Beckham has played in three FIFA World Cups himself in 1998, 2002 and 2006 — and to date, he is the only English player to have scored in three separate World Cups.

As for the advice he’d give his 21-year-old self about protecting his own well-being while balancing pro sports and a public life?

“Focus on yourself, work hard and surround yourself with good people would be my advice,” he shares with PEOPLE. “Don’t worry about what other people are doing or what they’re saying.”

He concludes, “Put the hard work in, keep your head down and focus on being the very best you can be.”