FIFA has appointed match officials for World Cup matches 77, 78, and 79, scheduled for June 30, 2026. The fixtures include France versus Sweden at MetLife Stadium, Côte d’Ivoire against Norway at AT&T Stadium, and Mexico facing Ecuador in Mexico City.
This is part of the largest officiating operation in tournament history, with 52 referees, 88 assistants, and 30 video officials appointed to cover a record 104 matches across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The 2026 World Cup is the first to feature 48 teams, a significant expansion from the previous 32-team format. The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19.
Cryptocurrency is playing a growing role. Kraken is the Official Crypto Exchange Supporter of the event. Belgium also launched a fan token, $BELG, via Socios.com just before the tournament began. Fan tokens grant holders voting rights and exclusive content.
For investors, tokens like $BELG are subject to volatility based on team performance. Speculative buying often follows a strong run, while early exits can trigger sell-offs. The asset class has faced regulatory scrutiny over its classification.