The 2026 FIFA World Cup is barely into its group stage and already 11 players have scored two or more goals in a single match.

The expanded format, which ballooned from 32 to 48 teams across 104 matches hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, is producing lopsided scorelines and breakout performances at a pace that has prediction markets and fan token platforms working overtime.

Goals, goals, and more goals

Early matches have averaged more than three goals per game. Lionel Messi delivered a hat-trick during group play, tying all-time World Cup records. Matheus Cunha also bagged multiple goals against Haiti.

Kraken, Polymarket, and the crypto World Cup

Kraken was named FIFA’s Official Crypto Exchange…