The 2026 FIFA World Cup opened on June 11 with Mexico facing South Africa at Estadio Azteca, making the Mexico City venue the only stadium in history to host three World Cup opening matches. The previous two: the 1970 and 1986 tournaments, both of which produced some of football’s most legendary moments.
But this time around, the spectacle extends well beyond the pitch. Crypto has officially entered the World Cup conversation, with Kraken named as FIFA’s Official Crypto Exchange Supporter just two days before kickoff on June 9.
A stadium renovation and a format overhaul
Estadio Azteca underwent a renovation costing approximately $300 million ahead of the tournament. A venue originally built in 1966 needed serious work to meet modern FIFA standards and handle the logistical demands of a tournament this size.
And this tournament is significantly larger than any before it. The 2026 World Cup expanded to 48 teams and a total of 104 matches, up from 32 teams and 64 matches in the previous format. The games are spread across 16 host cities in Mexico, the US, and Canada, making it the first World Cup co-hosted by three nations.
