The World Cup isn't just a major sporting event—it's also a catalyst for innovation and excitement in the crypto space. As teams compete on the field, various football-related tokens and blockchain projects capture attention, offering new ways for fans to engage and participate.
This guide highlights notable crypto initiatives linked to the world’s biggest football tournament, from fan tokens and NFT collectibles to blockchain-based games and prediction markets.
Binance x Cristiano Ronaldo NFT Collection
One of the most high-profile projects is the NFT collaboration between Binance and football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. This collection features seven unique digital representations of Ronaldo, classified into various rarity tiers: Extremely Rare (SSR), Super Rare (SR), Rare (R), and Normal (N).
Each NFT immortalizes a iconic moment from Ronaldo’s career—such as his famous bicycle kick—as well as scenes from his early years in Portugal. Holders gain access to exclusive perks including online meet-and-greets, with SSR owners even receiving a signed physical statue.
The NFT series launched on Binance on November 18th.
Ultimate Champions: Fantasy Football Meets Blockchain
Ultimate Champions is a fantasy football manager game that transforms traditional player cards into NFTs and incorporates a play-to-earn economy. Users can compete in matches to earn tokens and NFTs.
Launched in April 2022, the game has partnered with more than 45 football clubs across nine European leagues. Initially built on Polygon, it is also expanding to BNB Chain.
A recent $4 million strategic investment from Binance Labs has boosted the platform's visibility, and its token CHAMP saw significant gains following the announcement. With official licenses from clubs like Arsenal and leagues such as the UEFA Europa League, Ultimate Champions mirrors real-world match calendars—making it particularly engaging during the World Cup.
Algorand: Official Blockchain Partner of FIFA
In May of this year, Algorand became FIFA’s official blockchain partner. Developed by MIT professor Silvio Micali, Algorand is a low-cost, carbon-neutral blockchain supporting multiple currencies and payment methods.
Together, they launched FIFA+ Collect—an NFT marketplace accessible through FIFA’s digital platform. Similar to NBA Top Shot, it allows fans to collect memorable moments from World Cup history. Special promotions during the tournament even offer buyers a chance to win match tickets, flights to Doha, and hotel stays.
RyomaDAO: Supporting the Japanese National Team
RyomaDAO is a community-driven project that donated all funds raised through its Initial DEX Offering (IDO) to the Japanese national football team. Although it remains a smaller, experimental initiative with strong Japanese community support, its token is now listed on Huobi.
NFTSTAR: Celebrity-Backed NFT Platform
NFTSTAR is an NFT community platform where users can buy, trade, and interact with digital collectibles based on global celebrities—including athletes, artists, and entertainers.
Launched in August 2021 by internet firm The9, NFTSTAR recently partnered with The Sandbox to launch a Metaverse Global Sports Village timed with the World Cup.
Prosper: Decentralized Sports Prediction Market
Prosper is a decentralized prediction market platform whose token and ecosystem were fully acquired by Animoca Brands. The project has hinted at future integrations with The Sandbox to introduce sports prediction products, making it one to watch for betting enthusiasts.
Chiliz and the Rise of Fan Tokens
Chiliz is a pioneer in the sports fan token space, and the World Cup represents a major growth opportunity. The CHZ token powers fan engagement platforms for dozens of football clubs, mostly based in Europe and the Americas.
In addition to club-specific tokens, two national team fan tokens—ARG (Argentina) and POR (Portugal)—are also gaining traction among supporters.
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Popular Football Fan Tokens
Fan tokens have become a focal point in the crypto market leading up to the World Cup. According to CoinMarketCap, many of the top football-related fan tokens have seen significant price increases.
In response, Binance launched a “Football Fan Token Index” USDT-margined perpetual contract, tracking a basket of leading tokens such as SANTOS, PORTO, PSG, BAR, JUV, and others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are football fan tokens?
Football fan tokens are cryptocurrency tokens that give holders access to voting rights, rewards, and exclusive content related to their favorite teams. They enhance fan engagement through blockchain technology.
How can I buy World Cup-related NFTs?
NFTs tied to the World Cup—such as the Binance x Ronaldo collection or moments on FIFA+ Collect—are available on their respective platforms. You usually need a crypto wallet and supported cryptocurrency to purchase them.
Are fan tokens a good investment?
Like all cryptocurrencies, fan tokens are volatile and influenced by team performance, market sentiment, and broader crypto trends. They are primarily designed for engagement rather than as pure financial instruments.
What is the role of blockchain in sports?
Blockchain technology enables ticketing, collectibles, fan voting, transparent transactions, and new forms of digital interaction between teams and their global supporter bases.
Can I use fan tokens to get real-world benefits?
Yes. Many fan tokens offer real-world perks such as merchandise discounts, meet-and-greet opportunities, VIP match tickets, and exclusive content.
How does play-to-earn work in football games?
In games like Ultimate Champions, players earn cryptocurrency or NFTs by participating in matches, building teams, and achieving in-game goals. These assets can be traded or sold on supported marketplaces.
The World Cup serves as a powerful driver for crypto adoption, bringing together sports, technology, and community in innovative ways. Whether through NFTs, fan tokens, or blockchain games, these projects illustrate how football continues to evolve beyond the pitch.