The World Cup is often dubbed “the greatest show on Earth,” so it’s perhaps unsurprising that the Fan Tokens of various participating nations have risen in value at the start of 2026.

Although the tournament doesn’t get underway for five months (June 11–July 19), bullish sentiment is already being expressed for Fan Tokens of some of the favorites, including reigning champions Argentina.

Argentina Football Association Fan Token ($ARG) Up 46.6% in 7 Days

Let’s start with the current holders, Lionel Messi’s Argentina. The value of the Argentina Football Association Fan Token ($ARG) has increased by 46.6% over the last seven days, reaching its highest price since September.

Currently valued at $0.95, $ARG has been on a steady march since late December with 24hr trade volumes consistently over $1.5 million. In fairness, trade volumes have been strong for several months as Argentina gear up to defend their crown.

The last nation to successfully defend a World Cup was Brazil, who pulled off back-to-back tournament wins by lifting the trophy in 1962. Oddsmakers currently favor the likes of European champions Spain, England, and 2018 World Cup winners France over Argentina.

Argentina’s prospects will rest on the form of ageing superstar Lionel Messi, as well as Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martínez and Atlético Madrid’s Julián Alvarez. We are in the midst of a golden era for the Argentina national team, which also won the 2024 Copa América under manager Lionel Scaloni.

Portugal, Spain, Brazil, and Italy Fan Tokens Also Motoring

The Argentina Fan Token isn’t the only one increasing in value of late.

Over the last seven days, the Spain National Football Team Fan Token ($SNFT) is up 61.1% while the Portugal National Team Fan Token ($POR) is up 56.8%.

Meanwhile, the Brazil National Football Team Fan Token ($BFT) has increased 52.1%, and the Italian National Team Fan Token ($ITA) by 31.3%.

Interestingly, Italy are not yet qualified for this year’s World Cup, having failed to appear at football’s showpiece event since 2014. In order to make the 2026 event, they must overcome Northern Ireland at home (Mar. 26), then see off the winner of the Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina playoff on Mar. 31.

Of the aforementioned national team Fan Tokens, Argentina boasts the biggest market cap of $10.4m, ahead of Portugal ($6.8m) and Italy ($3.1m), making all three top 20 Fan Tokens by market cap.

This year’s World Cup is likely to be the last international dance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, with the latter laser-focused on finally winning a World Cup to match Messi’s achievement with Argentina in 2022.

Ronnie McCluskey: Fan Tokens Market Reporter