Stake names Spanish football legend Iker Casillas as Global Ambassador ahead of World Cup 2026

Stake has aligned its World Cup 2026 marketing plans with the appointment of former Spain captain Iker Casillas, naming the World Cup-winning goalkeeper a Global Ambassador ahead of the tournament.

The agreement places Casillas at the center of Stake’s tournament-year activity, with the company planning a series of football-related campaigns connected to the FIFA World Cup 2026. Stake said further announcements tied to the program are expected as preparations continue.

"I'm really happy to join the Stake family. For me, it's a different and fun opportunity, with a lot of potential ahead. I've seen how the community keeps growing and the great energy around the brand, and I was excited to become part of something like this. I'm sure we're going to have a great time and create some very interesting things together," said Casillas.

Ambassador role and planned activity

Under the partnership, Casillas will take part in fan-facing initiatives throughout the World Cup cycle. These include match analysis, behind-the-scenes material, and experiences linked to major football moments during the tournament year.

Stake positioned the ambassador program as part of its commercial planning around the global event, using high-profile football figures to support content and engagement initiatives.

"Stake has been working with great footballers for a long time, and it's an honour to join that group,” Casillas added. “I also have friends within the family, like Kun Agüero, so I'm really looking forward to seeing them in person soon."

Career background and public profile

Casillas captained the Spanish national team during its 2010 World Cup victory and played for Real Madrid CF and FC Porto during his club career. He won 28 titles, including the 2010 World Cup, two UEFA European Championships, and three UEFA Champions League trophies. He recorded 167 international caps for Spain.

His individual honors include the Prince of Asturias Award and the Royal Cross of the Order of Sporting Merit. Outside professional football, Casillas maintains a digital following of more than 65 million and is involved in several projects, including the Iker Casillas Academy, SportBoost, 1K Fútbol Club, and the podcast Bajo los palos (“Between the Posts”). He also serves as a mentor across sports- and technology-focused platforms.

"A World Cup year is always special. It's one of the trophies every footballer dreams of lifting, so I understand the emotion and pressure that comes with a tournament like this. Every edition brings new stories, new hopes, and unforgettable moments. It's an honour to experience this World Cup alongside Stake and enjoy it with the whole community," he said.

Akhil Sarin, Chief Marketing Officer at Stake, said the partnership aligns with the company’s approach to the upcoming tournament.

"With the World Cup 2026 on the horizon, the energy is building, and Stake is ready to take the field. Bringing on Iker Casillas as one of our ambassadors marks a definitive statement of intent. His seamless transition from World Cup champion to tech entrepreneur bridges the gap between elite performance and digital innovation. We are thrilled to bring his passion and winning mentality directly to our community, igniting a new level of excitement for fans globally," said Sarin.

Founded in 2017, Stake reports more than 80 million monthly visits and more than 100 billion bets placed each year. Stake is known for its crypto wagering operations and has entered regulated local-currency gaming markets in Italy, Denmark, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. Its sponsorship agreements include Drake, the Stake F1 Team, Everton Football Club, and the UFC.