The 2026 FIFA World Cup hasn’t kicked off yet, and the crypto industry is already treating it like a Super Bowl that lasts a month. Kraken secured the title of Official Crypto Exchange Supporter as of June 9, 2026, while Chiliz has committed an estimated $50 to $100 million toward US fan engagement and sponsorship tied to the tournament.
All of this is happening against the backdrop of Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure as head coach of the US Men’s National Team, a hire that was designed to professionalize the program before the world arrives at America’s doorstep. Through late May 2026, his squad has posted a record of 13 wins, 7 losses, and 2 draws.
Pochettino’s mission and the stakes for US soccer
Pochettino was appointed on September 10, 2024, replacing Gregg Berhalter after a dismal Copa America 2024 performance that left the program in crisis mode. The Argentine manager, known for his stints at Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea, was brought in specifically to inject tactical sophistication and squad cohesion before the biggest tournament the US has hosted in over three decades.
The 2026 World Cup is the largest edition in the tournament’s history. It’s also the first time the US has hosted since 1994, sharing duties this time with Canada and Mexico.
