FIFA holds minute of silence at World Cup 2026 for earthquake victims as crypto firms mobilize relief

Twin earthquakes ripped through Venezuela on June 24, 2026, killing at least 920 people and injuring thousands more. The next day, as the World Cup continued across North America, national teams including France, Spain, Senegal, and Iraq stood in silence before their matches to honor the victims.

Binance steps in, Kraken stays visible

Binance Charity committed $3 million in USDT to earthquake relief efforts in Venezuela. The organization also waived fees for Venezuelan users affected by the disaster.

The 7.2-magnitude foreshock hit near San Felipe in Yaracuy state, followed by the stronger 7.5-magnitude mainshock. Together, they represent the most powerful seismic event in Venezuela since 1900. Casualty figures as of June 26 ranged from over 3,000 to 4,500 injured, with the death toll at 920 and still climbing.

Kraken is serving as FIFA’s Official Crypto Exchange Supporter for the 2026 World Cup.

Why stablecoins keep showing up in disaster relief

Binance’s $3 million pledge is denominated in USDT. Tether’s stablecoin, pegged one-to-one with the US dollar, bypasses the volatility problem that would make sending Bitcoin or ETH to disaster victims impractical.

Venezuela has one of the highest cryptocurrency adoption rates in Latin America, driven in large part by years of hyperinflation that eroded trust in the bolivar.

FIFA’s crypto evolution and what investors should watch

FIFA has previously explored blockchain technology through NFT collectibles and an earlier partnership with Algorand. The Kraken deal for 2026 represents a sustained, visible presence throughout an event that draws billions of viewers globally.

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