The 2026 FIFA World Cup hasn’t even started, and it’s already generating heat in crypto markets. As England prepares to face Croatia in their Group L opener on June 17 in Dallas, prediction markets are buzzing with speculative action, and Chiliz is running a token burn program that ties crypto supply dynamics directly to match results.
The referee appointment is adding an extra layer of intrigue. FIFA has tapped French official Clément Turpin to handle the match, assisted by Nicolas Danos and Benjamin Pagès. England head coach Thomas Tuchel once labeled Turpin a “Grade E” official, which is roughly the diplomatic equivalent of calling someone incompetent to their face.
Prediction markets are already pricing the drama
On Polymarket, England is sitting at approximately a 56-57% implied probability of winning the match. For the tournament overall, betting markets give England roughly a 10% chance of lifting the trophy outright.
Chiliz’s token burn gambit
