Croatia integrates crypto rewards ahead of 2026 World Cup
Croatia’s national football team has become the first in the world to reward its fans using cryptocurrency. On Tuesday, Oct. 7, Kadena announced a new partnership with the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) that integrates blockchain technology into the federation’s official app. The collaboration introduces the VATRENI token, a Kadena-based digital asset named after the national team’s fiery nickname, “Vatreni.”
Fans who make purchases through the official app will receive 1% back in VATRENI tokens. These digital rewards can be accumulated and later redeemed for various perks, such as exclusive VIP experiences, limited-edition merchandise, and even future match tickets. The move comes as the team prepares for the 2026 World Cup, marking a new era of fan engagement in football through blockchain innovation.
According to HNS officials, the initiative aims to strengthen fan loyalty by providing tangible, crypto-based benefits that go beyond traditional reward programs. The federation emphasized that the system is designed for accessibility, allowing fans to earn and redeem tokens without needing prior crypto experience.
Blockchain gives sports teams unique benefits
The VATRENI token, which initially launched on Polygon in 2023, is now migrating to Kadena’s blockchain. The shift enables faster, more scalable transactions and a unified platform for all fan-related services. Kadena’s technology allows the HNS to merge ticketing, merchandise, and membership functionalities under a single system.
Joel Woodman, head of partnerships at Kadena, explained that the blockchain layer operates invisibly to users. “Our goal is to deliver value through a seamless and familiar user experience. Fans don’t need to understand blockchain—they simply enjoy better engagement and rewards,” Woodman said.
The VATRENI token is already listed on major exchanges, including Binance. However, trading activity remains modest. On Oct. 7, daily exchange volumes reached about $17,000, with the token’s market capitalization hovering around $4.8 million. Despite its early stage, the initiative positions Croatia as a pioneer in merging sports and crypto-driven fan ecosystems.
