The World Cup has always been the planet’s biggest stage for football. Now it’s becoming one for crypto too.

As Ecuador and Curaçao prepare to face off in a Group E clash at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, the broader story isn’t just about goals and yellow cards. It’s about an expanding digital asset ecosystem that FIFA has woven directly into the fabric of its first-ever 48-team tournament.

Kraken, Avalanche, and Panini walk into a stadium

FIFA announced Kraken as its official crypto exchange supporter for North America and Europe on June 9, 2026.

FIFA Collect, the organization’s digital collectibles platform, migrated to the Avalanche blockchain back in June 2025. The move enabled EVM-compatible…