The 2026 FIFA World Cup isn’t just the largest tournament in soccer history. It’s also shaping up to be the biggest mainstream stage crypto has ever had.

With 48 teams competing across 104 matches in North America from June 13 to July 19, the expanded tournament has attracted a wave of crypto partnerships that could meaningfully move on-chain activity for several tokens and protocols. Kraken, Chainlink, and Chiliz all have official roles, while FIFA itself is running an Avalanche-based blockchain for digital collectibles.

Day two matchups set the stage

The tournament’s second day, June 13, features four group-stage matches that span time zones and continents. Qatar faces Switzerland at Levi’s Stadium in…