Kraken has become FIFA's official cryptocurrency exchange partner, the two organizations announced this week. The deal comes as fan tokens for clubs like Manchester City and Arsenal surged up to 37% in value — both teams are set to carry the heaviest workloads during the 2026 World Cup.
The partnership
Kraken will serve as FIFA's exclusive crypto exchange for the 2026 tournament. The agreement covers marketing, fan engagement, and potentially payment services, though specific financial terms weren't disclosed. It's a big get for Kraken, which has been expanding its sports sponsorships over the past year.
Fan token frenzy
Fan tokens tied to World Cup-bound clubs jumped sharply this month. Manchester City's token rose 37%, while Arsenal's climbed 31%. The surge reflects growing speculation that these clubs will see more playing time and exposure during the tournament — both are among the Premier League teams with the most players likely to be called up for national duty.
Heavy workloads ahead
Manchester City and Arsenal top the list of Premier League clubs with the heaviest workloads during the 2026 World Cup. That means more of their players will be traveling, training, and competing in Qatar and across North America. For token holders, more games and visibility could mean more utility and demand — though it also raises injury risks for the clubs' stars.
The World Cup kicks off in November. Kraken's integration with FIFA's fan platforms is expected to roll out in the coming months.
