FIFA World Cup Sets Stage for Crypto-Fueled Knockout Rounds

The 48-team group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has concluded, setting the stage for the knockout rounds. The tournament, hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, features an expanded format with 12 groups of four teams each.

The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, have advanced to the Round of 32. This marks a significant increase in participation compared to previous tournaments, which featured only 16 teams.

The World Cup has also seen a surge in crypto-related activity, with prediction markets reaching $5.4 billion in trading volume. Kalshi, a prominent prediction platform, has accounted for nearly $2.9 billion of this activity.

FIFA has partnered with Kraken to serve as its Official Crypto Exchange Supporter, featuring fan engagement products and activations that bridge the gap between traditional sports audiences and digital asset platforms.