The biggest sporting event on the planet just became the biggest live experiment in crypto infrastructure. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, now underway across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, isn’t just testing a new 48-team format. It’s testing whether blockchain technology can actually handle the operational demands of a global tournament watched by billions.

From digital collectibles built on a custom Avalanche Layer-1 to blockchain-powered ticketing designed to kill scalping, FIFA’s crypto ambitions are no longer theoretical. They’re processing real transactions, for real fans, in real time.

How the expanded tournament works, and why it matters for crypto betting markets

The 2026 World Cup marks a…