Morocco stuns Brazil in World Cup opener as crypto betting markets take a hit

Morocco just reminded the world that favorites exist to be toppled. Ismael Saibari found the back of the net in the 21st minute of the Group C opener at MetLife Stadium on June 13, giving Morocco a 1-0 lead over five-time champions Brazil in what is already shaping up as one of the early shocks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The goal also sent a jolt through crypto prediction markets, where bettors had priced Brazil’s implied probability of victory at roughly 58-59%. Crypto-native betting and prediction platforms reported increased volumes in the lead-up to this match.

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti had expressed confidence before kickoff, suggesting his squad could compete against any opponent. That confidence may have reinforced the betting lines.

Kraken, Avalanche, and FIFA’s crypto play

Just four days before the Brazil-Morocco match, on June 9, Kraken was announced as the Official Crypto Exchange Supporter of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. FIFA has also maintained an ongoing blockchain partnership with Avalanche, focused on digital collectibles and fan engagement.

What this means for crypto investors

Kraken securing FIFA’s official crypto exchange designation signals that major exchanges are willing to spend real money on mainstream brand awareness. For investors evaluating exchange-adjacent tokens or the competitive landscape among centralized exchanges, this is a data point worth noting.

The prediction market activity around this match highlights a growing use case for blockchain technology that goes beyond DeFi and NFTs. Increased volumes around marquee fixtures suggest that these platforms are gaining traction with a broader audience.

The Avalanche-FIFA relationship deserves attention from investors tracking Layer 1 ecosystems. Investors should watch for actual engagement metrics: how many wallets interact with FIFA’s digital collectibles, how much volume flows through crypto prediction markets during the tournament, and whether any of this activity persists after the final whistle blows in July.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.