New York City hotels see bookings surge over 90% for World Cup as crypto makes its FIFA debut

New York City hotels are nearly booked solid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with reservations climbing over 90%.

The World Cup goes crypto

Kraken has been named the Official Crypto Exchange Supporter of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It’s a top-tier partnership with an event that FIFA projects will generate nearly $9 billion in revenue.

Chiliz, the blockchain platform behind some of the most recognizable fan tokens in sports, is enabling token-based fan engagement for participating national teams. Argentina’s ARG fan token is currently valued at approximately $0.41 with a market cap around $7.5 million.

FIFA itself is getting into the digital collectibles game through FIFA Collect, a platform designed to offer fans access to collectibles and even ticket purchasing through blockchain technology. Initial drops launched in late May 2026, giving collectors a head start before the opening matches.