Iraq and Norway will square off on June 16, 2026, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, in what promises to be one of the more emotionally charged openers of the expanded FIFA World Cup. For Iraq, it marks a return to the world’s biggest sporting stage after a 40-year absence.
The game is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. ET. On June 9, Kraken was announced as the Official Crypto Exchange Supporter of the 2026 World Cup, cementing what has been a slow but steady courtship between FIFA and the crypto industry.
Crypto’s biggest stadium play yet
The 2026 tournament is the first to feature 48 teams, up from the traditional 32. Kraken’s deal is designed to enhance fan engagement across both North America and Europe, the two regions where the exchange has its strongest foothold.
The World Cup is co-hosted across the US, Mexico, and Canada. The US alone represents the largest crypto market by trading volume.
