WILL THERE BE A DIGITAL COLLECTION OF ICONIC MOMENTS FROM THE 2026 WORLD CUP?

What is the 2026 World Cup Digital Collection?

FIFA has confirmed that it is developing an “official digital collection” for the 2026 World Cup based on blockchain technology, in collaboration with technology partners such as Algorand and digital experience companies. This collection will allow fans to acquire video and 3D moments of the tournament's most iconic plays, certified and with digital ownership value. Each piece will be unique, registered on the blockchain to guarantee its authenticity, and can be viewed on mobile devices or in augmented reality environments.

Users will be able to buy, trade, and collect specific moments, from a last-minute goal to a goalkeeper's celebration.

In addition, remastered high-definition versions of "historic moments" from previous World Cups will be released for nostalgic fans who want to relive plays like Maradona's "Goal of the Century" or Zidane's header in 1998. According to FIFA's own innovation department, the goal is "to create a global, interactive football museum, accessible from anywhere in the world." The digital moments will be classified into different categories: technical plays, goals, goalkeeper saves, emotional moments, and behind-the-scenes footage. Each category will have rarities (Common, Rare, Epic, and Legendary), which will determine its availability and price. According to initial reports, prices could range from $5 to $500 USD, depending on the type of item and its exclusivity. High-resolution video collectibles (HD and 4K). Interactive 3D version with 360° view. Digital certification of authenticity via blockchain. Compatibility with mobile devices and augmented reality glasses. In short, every fan will be able to own a piece of the 2026 World Cup, not only in their memory, but in certified digital format. A modern and safe way to preserve the excitement of football forever.

The New Football Collecting

If you've ever collected Panini stickers or match tickets, the concept of digital collecting will be familiar, but with a futuristic twist. Instead of paper or cardboard, fans of the 2026 World Cup will have unique digital items that they can display on their profiles, share on social media, or even trade on official platforms. This type of collecting, driven by the rise of NFTs (non-fungible tokens), has already gained traction in other leagues and is now arriving at the most-watched sporting event on the planet.

During the 2022 World Cup, FIFA launched a pilot project called “FIFA+ Collect,” where more than 1.5 million users acquired digital moments from previous tournaments.

The success was such that the organization decided to scale the system by 2026, incorporating artificial intelligence, immersive experiences, and limited collections with exclusive content for in-person attendees. Collecting emotions, not just statistics. The focus will not be solely technical or commercial, but emotional. FIFA plans to include clips that capture the essence of football: a child's smile in the stands, a hug between rivals, a celebration in the rain. The idea is that each "moment" represents a universal feeling, allowing fans to relive those emotions again and again. Also included will be personalized narrations from the official commentators and original music to accompany each play.

• Special collections from the three host countries (USA, Mexico, and Canada).

• Interactive moments with real-time data (shot speed, distance, goal probability).

• Digital events where fans can unlock exclusive clips.

• Rewards for completing themed collections (e.g., "Best Goals of the Group Stage").

Fun fact: During the 2022 World Cup, an NFT of Richarlison's goal against Serbia reached a value of $12,000 USD in digital auctions. By 2026, the digital collectibles market is expected to exceed $2 billion USD.

The Future of the Football Experience

The use of digital collectibles will not only be a novelty for fans, but also a strategy to bring the World Cup closer to a new generation. Young fans, accustomed to consuming content on social media and video games, will find in this collection a way to experience the tournament beyond the screen. In addition, FIFA plans to link these digital assets with exclusive experiences, such as early access to tickets, discounts on merchandise, or raffles to meet players.

Host cities will also join the trend. In places like Los Angeles, Mexico City, and Toronto, "Digital World Cup Galleries" will be installed—physical spaces where fans can project their collectibles, interact with touchscreens, and participate in trivia challenges. These experiences will combine art, technology, and football, creating a unique emotional connection between the fan and the event. Beyond the World Cup: The impact of this innovation will extend far beyond 2026. FIFA plans to keep the platform alive after the tournament, expanding the collection with moments from future editions, qualifiers, and youth tournaments. This way, fans can build their own "digital football museum" over the years. It is even anticipated that national federations will launch their own collections, allowing fans to digitally own historic goals from their favorite team. More than 5 million fans are expected to participate in the 2026 World Cup collection. The digital assets will be available in more than 100 countries. Each user will be able to create their own "digital album" with their favorite moments. Projections estimate that 40% of buyers will be under 30 years old. Ultimately, the 2026 World Cup will not only leave us with memories, but also new ways to treasure them. The digital collection of iconic moments is a window into the future of football: a fusion of emotion and technology that allows every fan, no matter where they are, to relive a bicycle kick, a decisive penalty, or a historic celebration with just one click. In this way, football memories cease to be ephemeral and become something eternal, tangible, and collectible.