Colombia’s march through the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage is doing what major sporting events always do: generating enormous attention. What’s different this cycle is where some of that attention is flowing. Blockchain-based fantasy sports platforms like Sorare are turning real-world football moments into tradeable digital assets, and players like Davinson Sánchez are at the center of both narratives.
The experienced centre-back, who has been vocal about Colombia’s ambitions heading into their round-of-16 clash against Switzerland around July 7, represents a fascinating case study in how athletic performance and digital collectible markets increasingly overlap.
From the pitch to the blockchain
Sánchez, a 30-year-old defender for Turkish giants Galatasaray, was named to Colombia’s 26-man World Cup squad on May 25, 2026. He started key group-stage matches against both Portugal and Ghana, helping his team secure advancement from Group K.
The most dramatic moment of his tournament so far came during Colombia’s 0-0 draw with Portugal on June 27. Sánchez thought he’d scored the winner, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside.
