The FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage is here, and the tournament’s biggest storyline might not be happening on the pitch. As England prepares to face Mexico on July 5 at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, the crypto industry is quietly embedding itself into the fabric of the world’s most-watched sporting event. Kraken was named FIFA’s Official Crypto Exchange Supporter on June 9, FIFA is piloting blockchain-based ticketing on Avalanche, and crypto betting volumes are surging on platforms like Cloudbet.

The match itself: England vs. Mexico at altitude

The Estadio Azteca sits at over 2,200 meters above sea level. Mexico knows this advantage intimately, having lost just twice in 89 matches at the…