FIFA World Cup 2026 Kicks Off with Blockchain in Full Swing

The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicked off on June 15th with Canada facing Bosnia and Herzegovina at BMO Field in Toronto, marking a significant milestone for Canadian soccer. But beneath the surface, a different story is unfolding - one that involves blockchain technology.

Kraken was announced as the Official Crypto Exchange Supporter of the tournament just three days before kickoff, while FIFA's blockchain collectibles platform runs on Avalanche. Chiliz-powered fan tokens are also giving national teams a new way to monetize their fanbases.

The platform issues 'Right-to-Buy' NFTs that grant holders access to ticket purchases and exclusive digital memorabilia. Thousands of these NFTs have already been sold through FIFA's platform, creating a parallel economy around tournament access.

Kraken's role in the tournament is focused on fan engagement across North America and Europe, where the 48-team tournament will be played out across three host countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.