Mexico Wins Group for First Time Since '02 as Crypto Joins World Cup Fray

Mexico has made history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by winning their group for the first time since 2002. The team's 2-0 victory over South Africa on June 11 set the tone, and a 1-0 win over South Korea on June 18 sealed their position as group winners.

This achievement marks a significant milestone for Mexico, which has struggled to advance beyond the Round of 16 in previous tournaments. With the co-host advantage playing a key role, Mexico's home-crowd energy and familiar conditions have given them an edge.

The expanded 48-team format of this year's World Cup has also contributed to Mexico's success. The wider funnel allows for more teams to advance, increasing the chances for underdog nations like Mexico.

In related news, Kraken was named the Official Crypto Exchange Supporter of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 9. This marks the first time a crypto exchange has sponsored the tournament at this level.

Fan tokens have seen increased activity as the tournament heats up, with tokens like Chiliz's $ARG experiencing heightened trading volumes.