Didier Deschamps reached 26 World Cup matches as a manager during France's 2026 semi-final versus Spain, surpassing the long-standing record of 25 games held by Helmut Schön from 1966 to 1978. This milestone marks Deschamps as the most experienced coach in World Cup history by matches managed.
Deschamps’ World Cup Legacy
Deschamps has led France through four consecutive World Cups: 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026. His record includes a World Cup victory in 2018, a runner-up finish in 2022, and a semi-final appearance in 2026. His approximate World Cup record stands at 20 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses. Should France play in the third-place match, Deschamps will extend his record to 27 games managed, further cementing his place in football history.
FIFA’s Blockchain and Digital Collectibles Strategy
FIFA has increased its involvement with blockchain technology, launching the FIFA+ Collect NFT platform ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. This platform enables fans to buy, sell, and trade digital collectibles linked to iconic World Cup moments. The 2026 tournament, hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is the largest ever, featuring 48 teams for the first time. The expansion enhances FIFA’s digital footprint and its integration with blockchain-based fan engagement.
Sports Tokenization and Crypto Markets
Fan tokens, introduced by companies like Chiliz with its Socios.com app, have become established in European football, with clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, FC Barcelona, and Juventus actively offering fan token ecosystems. While the hype around sports tokenization peaked in 2021, with Chiliz’s CHZ token struggling to regain previous highs, blockchain still plays a significant role in sports betting. The U.S. legal sports betting market has expanded rapidly since the 2018 Supreme Court decision overturning the federal ban, with crypto sportsbooks capturing a growing share of this market.
This material is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice.
