Kraken Becomes First Crypto Exchange Partner for 2026 World Cup

FIFA has appointed Kraken as its official crypto exchange supporter for the 2026 World Cup. This partnership marks the first time a cryptocurrency exchange has held this role at a World Cup. The tournament, featuring an expanded 48-team format, will take place from June 11 to July 19 in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The appointment comes as Cape Verde, a team making its first-ever appearance in the knockout stage, faces Argentina in the Round of 32. Projections give Argentina a 61% probability of facing Cape Verde, with Saudi Arabia trailing at 25.6%. The partnership also coincides with FIFA's migration of its digital collectibles platform to a custom Avalanche-based blockchain.

Kraken breaking new ground as FIFA's first crypto exchange partner is significant for the cryptocurrency industry. The deal arrives alongside another major blockchain move from FIFA, which has migrated its digital collectibles platform to a custom Avalanche-based blockchain. This partnership highlights the growing intersection of sports and cryptocurrency.