Frenkie de Jong is back on the World Cup stage as the Netherlands prepare to face Japan in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 29-year-old Barcelona midfielder, known for his precise passing and midfield dominance, will take the field in Dallas, Texas on June 14, 2026. This event is significant for de Jong, who previously participated in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as he now receives recognition from coach Ronald Koeman during this historic expanded format tournament featuring 48 teams for the first time.
De Jong's inclusion on the squad was finalized on May 27, 2026. Both he and coach Koeman addressed reporters during pre-match press conferences, underscoring de Jong's integral position in the team's tactical framework. This appearance marks his debut in the newly structured World Cup, presenting a unique challenge and opportunity.
What happened to de Jong's crypto endeavors?
In 2022, de Jong ventured into the digital realm by launching a personal NFT collectibles project. Unfortunately, this venture encountered operational challenges, mirroring a trend among numerous athlete-backed NFT initiatives that struggled once the initial excitement waned. De Jong also engaged in Panini's digital trading card series during a period where sports and blockchain technology began to converge.
Unlike the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the presence of cryptocurrency was overwhelming, this tournament seems devoid of such elements. Notably, the previous World Cup had Crypto.com prominently displayed in stadiums, and Algorand was designated as FIFA's official blockchain partner, with fan tokens being heavily promoted. However, recent events, including the fallout from the FTX collapse, have curtailed sports sponsorship interests in the cryptocurrency sector.
De Jong’s NFT experience epitomizes a broader shift in the industry. As a distinguished athlete, he aligned himself with a project during its peak popularity; yet, when market conditions changed, the initiative encountered significant struggles. This evolution in the crypto landscape markedly contrasts with the current atmosphere surrounding the World Cup.