FIFA has announced its plans to release a new set of unique NFT collectibles on both the Algorand and Polygon blockchains. This collaboration with crypto startup Modex will mark the first release under their strategic management of FIFA’s digital collectibles platform, FIFA+ Collect. While the platform initially launched with NFTs exclusively minted on Algorand, FIFA has clarified that they will continue to release NFTs on Algorand while expanding to Polygon via OpenSea marketplace drops.
The upcoming release during the FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023 will consist of a total of 1,000 NFTs, with the first 100 minted on Algorand and becoming available on December 15. These initial NFTs will include rare collectibles that provide the opportunity to win tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final. The remaining 900 NFTs will be dropped on the OpenSea marketplace on December 19, with future drops also taking place on Polygon.
While a representative from Polygon Labs initially suggested that the project had shifted solely to Polygon, a FIFA representative clarified that the platform is expanding to Polygon but not abandoning Algorand. The FIFA representative emphasized that their choice of blockchain will always prioritize the interests of existing and future users, with Polygon now partnering with them.
The FIFA Club World Cup, featuring teams from top leagues such as Manchester City, has already begun in Jeddah. The release of these NFT collectibles adds an exciting digital component to the prestigious tournament.