Iran’s national football team kicked off its World Cup preparations on June 25 with an opening practice session at the University of Washington in Seattle. The squad is gearing up for what promises to be one of the more intriguing opening matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Iran vs. New Zealand.
Seattle as a World Cup staging ground
The University of Washington campus is serving as Iran’s training base as the team acclimates to the Pacific Northwest ahead of the tournament. The city is one of the host venues for the 2026 edition, which is spread across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Kraken and FIFA’s first crypto exchange deal
Kraken has been named FIFA’s first Official Crypto Exchange Supporter for the 2026 tournament. It’s the first time a cryptocurrency exchange has occupied an official sponsorship tier for the world’s most-watched sporting event.
