The biggest sporting event on the planet is about to get bigger. FIFA’s 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams competing in 80 matches across 16 cities in the US, Mexico, and Canada, running from June 11 to July 19. That’s a significant jump from the 32-team format that defined every tournament since 1998.
For crypto, the more interesting storyline is what’s happening off the pitch. Kraken was named the Official Crypto Exchange Supporter of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 9, continuing a pattern where FIFA has consistently woven blockchain and digital assets into its global event strategy.
From Algorand to Kraken: FIFA’s crypto evolution
This isn’t FIFA’s first dance with the crypto industry. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar featured Algorand as an official blockchain partner and Crypto.com as a lead sponsor. Those deals introduced millions of viewers to crypto branding during the most-watched tournament on earth.
The 2026 edition goes further. FIFA Collect, the organization’s digital collectibles platform, runs on the Avalanche blockchain. The platform has introduced “Right-to-Buy” features that have drawn regulatory attention in Switzerland, where FIFA is headquartered. Think of it as a digital collectibles marketplace where owning certain items unlocks the ability to purchase exclusive physical merchandise or experiences.
