In early 2026, the Chiliz blockchain, the infrastructure layer for Fan Tokens, once again entered the CoinMarketCap Top 100 by market capitalization, a noteworthy development in a market that has become much more competitive over the past several years.

Major crypto outlets, such as BeInCrypto, reported the rise, showcasing the reasons why Chiliz continues to deliver solid numbers.

The broader cryptocurrency landscape today differs significantly from earlier cycles. Many assets that were once inside the Top 100 in 2021 are now absent, and the requirements to achieve and maintain a spot have become more demanding. Stablecoins now account for a larger share of the list, and new tokens backed by short-term hype and venture capital regularly rotate in and out of the list.

Sustained Market Interest and Support

In this environment, Chiliz’s re-entry is not just a statistical change but a reflection of sustained market interest and fundamental support. Legacy protocols from the early 2020s have struggled to retain relevance; fewer than one-third of them remain among the largest assets today. Chiliz, by contrast, has managed to retain and rebuild market position despite these headwinds.

Chiliz Solid Token Structure

A key factor behind this stability is Chiliz’s token structure. Unlike many newer projects that still face large unlocks by early investors (often leading to downward price pressure) Chiliz completed its vesting schedule years ago. All circulating tokens today reflect fully vested supply, reducing the uncertainty tied to future sell-offs.

This steadier foundation supports both the $CHZ token and the broader Fan Token ecosystem, which sits on top of the Chiliz Chain. Fan Tokens, issued by global sports clubs and organizations, provide fans with engagement utilities such as participation in polls, access to exclusive experiences via rewards, and a tradable crypto asset tied to real-world sports communities.

World Cup Year Sparking Growth

Looking ahead, several real-world catalysts may bolster interest in Fan Tokens throughout 2026. The FIFA World Cup, scheduled to take place in June and July in Canada, USA and Mexico, is already generating global anticipation and increased cryptocurrency activity around sport-related assets.

Additionally, developments such as regulatory progress in major jurisdictions and on-chain integrations related to sports finance broaden the use cases for the ecosystem. These structural advancements, combined with entrenched partnerships between Chiliz and major sports franchises, help explain why the network supporting Fan Tokens remains relevant as the industry evolves.

Chiliz’s return to the Top 100 reflects both resilience and the sustained growth of the Fan Token segment, underscoring that real-world utility and ecosystem maturity continue to play an important role in the crypto market in 2026.