World Cup final fever hits Lima’s Gamarra district as FIFA doubles down on blockchain fan engagement

In Lima’s sprawling Gamarra textile district, vendors can barely keep up with demand for Argentina and Spain national team jerseys ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Replica shirts are selling for as little as 28 soles, roughly $7.50 USD, in what amounts to a ground-level indicator of just how much commercial energy a single soccer match can generate.

The final between Argentina and Spain is set for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.

Gamarra’s jersey economy meets FIFA’s digital ambitions

Local vendors are offering cotton-blend jerseys starting at 28 soles per unit, with bulk pricing dropping to around 26 soles. Customization is part of the pitch, with sellers inviting buyers to send designs via WhatsApp for personalized shirts.

Argentina and Spain have emerged as the top-selling teams not just in Gamarra but globally, with millions of jerseys moving during the tournament cycle.

FIFA Collect and the Avalanche connection

FIFA Collect, the governing body’s digital collectibles platform, is built on Avalanche blockchain technology. The platform enables fans to buy, sell, and trade NFTs tied to World Cup moments, players, and memorabilia. The platform has introduced “Right-to-Buy” digital tokens that grant holders priority access to purchase match tickets.

The selection of Kraken as the official crypto exchange partner for the tournament adds another layer. Kraken’s role extends beyond branding, positioning the exchange as the default on-ramp for fans who want to participate in FIFA’s digital economy.

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