Harry Kane just became England’s all-time leading World Cup goalscorer, surpassing Gary Lineker’s record of 10 goals that had stood since 1990. It’s the kind of moment that used to attract crypto money like moths to stadium floodlights. This time, the industry barely showed up.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been a spectacular sporting event. Kane’s record-breaking header against Panama on June 28 capped a prolific run across three tournaments, bringing his career World Cup tally into the range of 11 to 13 goals.
From pitch-side logos to radio silence
Cast your mind back to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Crypto.com had its name plastered everywhere. Fan tokens from Socios were being marketed to supporters of national teams. Blockchain-based betting platforms were angling for attention.
Fast forward four years, and the landscape looks dramatically different. Reports from the ongoing 2026 tournament indicate a striking absence of crypto sponsorships, fan token activations, and blockchain-based engagement platforms.
