World Cup 2022 NFTs: FIFA, Budweiser and others launch soccer-themed digital collections ahead of Qatar 2022

by James · November 14, 2022

Qatar 2022 will offer a whole new way to experience the FIFA World Cup, with fans able to not only experience iconic moments but also own them.

FIFA, Budweiser and Visa are among the companies that have launched new NFTs ahead of the tournament, which is due to start this week.

NFT fever has swept the game, with players and clubs alike now offering a variety of opportunities to purchase collectibles related to their image and history.

The rise of blockchain technology in football continues strongly, as more and more teams rely on NFTs to revolutionize the fan experience.

More: When does the World Cup start? First match and opening ceremony in Qatar

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What is an NFT?

NFT stands for ‘Non-Fungible Token’ and is a concept based on similar blockchain programming to cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin.

It gives potential buyers the opportunity to own the original copy of a digital file, much like a physical piece of art, or perhaps a rare battle-worn sports shirt.

The most expensive NFT in the technology’s short history was The Merge – an artwork created by digital artist Pak, which sold for a staggering $91.8 million in December 2021.

NFTs have become a popular bet for football clubs and players, with online marketplaces and games exploding on the scene. The Premier League is reportedly in talks to join MLS, La Liga and the Bundesliga in partnership with companies in the blockchain space.

The collectibles are usually iconic moments associated with the league, or artwork featuring a specific player.

Former Chelsea defender John Terry’s much-reported Ape Kids Football Club NFTs scheme has been among the early failures, with the collectibles plunging to just one percent of their original value earlier this year.

More: Which teams have qualified for Qatar 2022? Full list of all 32 nations

FIFA+ Collect World Cup 2022 NFTs

FIFA+ Collect is the governing body’s brand new NFT platform, partnering with Algorand to launch the Qatar tournament.

The platform offers NFT collectibles from the men’s World Cup, as well as the corresponding women’s competition, including iconic moments, art and images.

FIFA’s “Genesis Drop” leads the way, releasing 532,980 packs containing iconic moments from past tournaments, varying in rarity. Two more releases have followed since.

Brazil icon Ronaldo’s winning goal in the 2002 final and Kylian Mbappe’s strike during France’s comeback to beat Argentina in 2018 are examples.

Limited edition and exclusive content is set to follow, all released on FIFA+ – a platform that will also offer live matches and original content.

The scheme will “democratize the opportunity to own a part of the World Cup” according to Romy Gai, FIFA’s Chief Business Officer.

Next, the first #FIFA Archives drop is now live on rotation! 🥅⚽️🔥Keep building the pieces of the beautiful game and be ready to play. Check out Archive ➡️ https://t.co/yPBeBJiFgM#FeedYourFandom #FIFAPlusCollect #FIFA #FIFAPlus #algorand #Soccer #FIFAWorldCup2022 pic.twitter.com/RmdlAgrExs

— FIFAPlusCollect (@FIFAPlusCollect) 20 October 2022

Budverse X World Cup 2022 NFTs

FIFA isn’t stopping there when it comes to digital collectibles in Qatar, teaming up with beer giant Budweiser to produce a new set of live NFTs.

Live Scoreboard NFTs will present owners with an animated scoreboard, featuring their chosen nation, which will be updated throughout Qatar 2022 matches.

The ‘Budverse’ collaboration is likely to be an early example in a trend of live NFTs with stat updates.

Budweiser is enticing shoppers with additional real-world goods to go along with its digital collectibles — offering a scarf, a color-changing aluminum cup and a trading card.

Keep track of your favorite team with a custom collectible that tracks their progress throughout the tournament.

Claim exclusive Budweiser x FIFA World Cup™ merchandise and enter for a chance to win #Fifa World Cup VIP experience! pic.twitter.com/1LBxJKeXjN

— Budweiser (@Budweiser) 14 October 2022

Other WC-related NFTs

Visa is also getting in on the NFT hype after holding an auction to benefit British charity Street Child United.

Five collectibles featuring historic World Cup goals by Jared Borgetti, Tim Cahill, Carli Lloyd, Michael Owen and Maxi Rodriguez have been created and were auctioned off to the highest bidder.