The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage is sorting itself out, and the projected last-32 matchups are already moving markets. England is on course to face Portugal while Scotland could draw Japan, and crypto traders are paying very close attention.
Polymarket’s World Cup winner markets have processed more than $1.8 billion in trading volume.
Kraken, Avalanche, and crypto’s front-row seat
On June 9, 2026, Kraken became FIFA’s Official Crypto Exchange Supporter. It’s the first sponsorship deal of its kind in World Cup history.
Meanwhile, the Avalanche blockchain has facilitated over $25 million in ticket-related transactions as of June 18, 2026. A meaningful chunk of World Cup ticketing infrastructure is now running on blockchain rails, handling real money for real seats in real stadiums.
