England awarded a World Cup bronze medal to training goalkeeper Jason Steele this week, even though he never set foot on the pitch during the tournament. The decision, announced by the Football Association, quickly rippled into crypto prediction markets, where contracts on the outcome were settled.
The medal decision
Steele, 35, was part of England's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup but served as a backup behind Jordan Pickford and Aaron Ramsdale. He didn't play a single minute. Still, the FA chose to honor him with a bronze medal, a move that raised eyebrows among fans and pundits. England finished third after beating Portugal in the consolation match.
Prediction market reaction
Crypto prediction markets, which let users bet on real-world events using stablecoins, took notice. Several platforms had listed contracts on whether Steele would receive a medal. When the FA made it official, those contracts settled in favor of the "yes" side. Traders who had bought in at low odds saw their positions pay out. The exact volume and payout amounts weren't disclosed, but the event highlights how these markets track even niche outcomes.
Prediction markets have grown in popularity this year, covering everything from election results to sports awards. The Steele contract is a reminder that they can capture granular details that traditional bookmakers often ignore.
The bronze medal is Steele's first World Cup honor. He'll receive it at a ceremony later this month.
