The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins on June 11 with 48 teams, 16 venues, and three host countries. It also begins with a political headache the size of a continent.
The first expanded-format tournament in World Cup history is playing out across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. But the Trump administration’s immigration policies have already caused entry complications for teams from countries like Iran, forcing last-minute base camp relocations to Mexico. FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s cozy relationship with Trump, including joint public appearances and a controversial “FIFA Peace Prize,” has drawn scrutiny over the organization’s claim to political neutrality.
Against that backdrop, something interesting is happening on the commercial side. Crypto has secured a meaningful foothold at the world’s most-watched sporting event.
Kraken takes the global stage
On June 9, just two days before kickoff, Kraken was announced as the tournament’s Official Crypto Exchange Supporter. The deal positions the San Francisco-based exchange in front of a global audience that typically numbers in the billions across a month-long tournament.
