New York City hotels see bookings surge over 90% for World Cup as crypto makes its FIFA debut

New York City hotels are nearly booked solid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with reservations climbing over 90%.

The World Cup goes crypto

Kraken has been named the Official Crypto Exchange Supporter of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It’s a top-tier partnership with an event that FIFA projects will generate nearly $9 billion in revenue.

Chiliz, the blockchain platform behind some of the most recognizable fan tokens in sports, is enabling token-based fan engagement for participating national teams. Argentina’s ARG fan token is currently valued at approximately $0.41 with a market cap around $7.5 million.

FIFA itself is getting into the digital collectibles game through FIFA Collect, a platform designed to offer fans access to collectibles and even ticket purchasing through blockchain technology. Initial drops launched in late May 2026, giving collectors a head start before the opening matches.

On the ticketing side, FIFA has been testing blockchain-based mechanisms using Avalanche, experimenting with on-chain systems that could theoretically reduce counterfeiting and scalping.

NYC defies the doubters

The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with matches spread across multiple cities. New York City’s booking numbers suggest the multi-city format hasn’t scared off visitors. The expanded 48-team format, up from 32 in previous tournaments, also means more games, more fans traveling, and more nights booked.

What this means for crypto investors

Kraken’s partnership with FIFA puts a crypto exchange brand in front of an estimated global audience of billions.

Prediction markets tied to the World Cup are expected to reach a $2 billion opportunity, according to current projections. That figure encompasses not just traditional sports betting but also crypto-native prediction platforms where users can wager on match outcomes, tournament brackets, and individual player performance using digital assets.

Argentina’s ARG token, sitting at roughly $0.41, is a useful barometer. During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, fan tokens for competing nations saw sharp price movements that tracked team performance.

FIFA Collect’s dynamic collectibles tied to national teams are designed to evolve based on real tournament results. Investors should watch for actual on-chain activity metrics, including transaction volumes on FIFA Collect, fan token trading volumes during matches, and prediction market liquidity, rather than relying on partnership announcements alone.

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