The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off on June 16 with Norway dismantling Iraq 4-1 at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Erling Haaland, one of the most prolific strikers on the planet, finally got to add “World Cup goalscorer” to his resume. He did it twice in one match.
The crypto industry had already positioned itself as a key player in this tournament before the first whistle blew, with FIFA locking in partnerships that put digital assets front and center for billions of viewers worldwide.
Haaland delivers on the biggest stage
Norway’s return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence couldn’t have gone much better. The Group I clash saw Haaland bag a brace, while Leo Ostigard and Kristian Thorstvedt added the other goals to round out a comprehensive performance.
