The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway, and the first expanded tournament in the competition’s history is bringing more than just additional teams to the pitch. It’s bringing crypto to the center circle.
Saudi Arabia faces Uruguay on June 15 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, a Group H clash that pits the 61st-ranked Saudis against a Uruguay side sitting at 16th in the FIFA rankings. But for crypto watchers, the more interesting matchup is happening off the field: Kraken is serving as the official crypto exchange partner for the entire tournament.
The match and why it matters
Group H features Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay, with the top two teams advancing to the knockout stage. Saudi Arabia qualified through the AFC playoffs and enters as the clear underdog, though they have a flair for the dramatic at World Cups.
At the 2022 tournament in Qatar, Saudi Arabia shocked the world by beating Argentina in their opening match.
