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Heat advisories hit US coasts as FIFA World Cup kicks off, but crypto’s real game is on the blockchain
Kraken's FIFA sponsorship and Avalanche's ticketing infrastructure put crypto front and center at the world's biggest sporting event, just as temperatures soar past 100 degrees.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is here, and so is a brutal heat wave. Both US coasts are under heat advisories as temperatures in host regions climb into the low-to-mid 90s, with heat indices pushing past 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The heat is on, literally
The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, spanning 11 host cities across the US, Canada, and Mexico. This is the first time the tournament features 48 teams playing 104 matches, a significant expansion from previous editions.
In North Jersey, where MetLife Stadium hosts matches, temperatures have been forecasted in the low-to-mid 90s with heat indices surpassing 100 degrees. FIFA responded by implementing mandatory three-minute cooling breaks during each half of every match. Emergency services and city authorities across host regions are advising residents and visitors on heat safety protocols.
Kraken enters the pitch
On June 9, just days before the tournament opener, FIFA named Kraken as its Official Crypto Exchange Supporter.
Avalanche’s ticketing play
Avalanche’s blockchain infrastructure is being used for ticketing and digital collectibles tied to the tournament. The FIFA Blockchain has reportedly processed over 60,000 ticket-related transactions in a short span, reflecting a significant spike in on-chain activity as the event ramps up.
Instead of just getting a PDF or a barcode on your phone, World Cup tickets are being recorded on a blockchain. This creates a verifiable, tamper-proof record of ownership that makes counterfeiting significantly harder and could enable a legitimate secondary market where resale prices and provenance are transparent.