Switzerland just did something it hasn’t done since before World War II started. The Swiss men’s national team defeated Algeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout round, advancing past the round of 16 for the first time in 88 years.
The last time Switzerland won a knockout match at the World Cup was 1938, when they beat Germany in a replay before falling to Hungary. That’s not a drought. That’s a geological era.
An 88-year wait ends on crypto’s biggest stage
Here’s the thing about this particular milestone: it’s happening at the first World Cup to feature an official crypto exchange sponsor. Kraken secured that distinction on June 9, 2026, becoming the first digital asset exchange to officially partner with FIFA.
Switzerland has appeared in 12 World Cups across the tournament’s history. In all those appearances, the team reached the quarterfinals just three times, in 1934, 1938, and 1954. The 1954 tournament was one they hosted on home soil.
