The 2026 World Cup marks a significant milestone for FIFA as it incorporates crypto partnerships into its operational fabric. The tournament has appointed Kraken as its Official Crypto Exchange Supporter, covering North America and Europe, while Avalanche will power digital initiatives tied to the tournament.
Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia are participating in Group H, but their differing approaches to cryptocurrency stand out. Cape Verde is actively positioning itself as a crypto-friendly jurisdiction, issuing licenses to exchanges and virtual asset service providers.
Saudi Arabia's story is more complex, with over 900 sponsorship deals secured in sports, primarily focused on football. The Kingdom is gearing up to host the 2034 World Cup.