The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be the most profitable tournament in football history, with projected revenues between $8.9 billion and $10.9 billion. That represents roughly a 53-56% increase over the 2022 Qatar edition. And for the first time, a crypto exchange has an official seat at the sponsor table.

Kraken was named the first official crypto exchange supporter of the World Cup in June 2026. FIFA has also been exploring blockchain-based ticketing tied to token systems, with a Swiss probe into these blockchain ticketing plans reportedly beginning in late 2025.

Where the money is flowing

Broadcasting rights alone are expected to exceed $4.2 billion. The organization has also dramatically increased its payout pool to $871 million, nearly double the $440 million distributed during the 2022 tournament.

The winning team walks away with $50 million. Every participating squad is guaranteed somewhere between $10 million and $12.5 million just for showing up.

US Soccer is also expecting to pocket approximately $100 million from its share of the proceeds.

The US host cities themselves could collectively absorb a net loss of up to $250 million. New York projects roughly $55 million in tax revenue from the event but anticipates around $70 million in added expenses. In English: the city is paying $15 million for the privilege of hosting the world’s most-watched sporting event.

Crypto’s expanding footprint

Chainlink is providing infrastructure for prediction markets across all 104 matches. FIFA has also been exploring blockchain-based ticketing tied to token systems. The initiative has drawn regulatory scrutiny, with a Swiss probe into these blockchain ticketing plans reportedly beginning in late 2025.

Switzerland is home to FIFA’s headquarters. If Swiss regulators push back on blockchain ticketing at this scale, it could set a precedent for how tokenized access and fan engagement products are treated globally.