Back in late 2024, rumors started swirling about a special NFT airdrop tied to the World Cup Finals - not from FIFA, but from a little-known GameFi platform called IguVerse and CoinMarketCap. People were excited. Some claimed they’d already claimed free NFTs. Others said it was a scam. So what really happened?
The short answer: there was never an official, verified World Cup Finals NFT airdrop by IguVerse and CoinMarketCap. What did exist was a mix of community buzz, misleading YouTube videos, and a few users who got caught up in a poorly explained promotion that faded fast.
What Is IguVerse?
IguVerse isn’t your typical crypto project. It’s built around a mobile app where users create virtual pets as NFTs. These pets aren’t just cute - they’re tied to real rewards. You don’t need to mine or stake. Instead, you earn by doing simple things: walking your pet (using your phone’s step counter), feeding it, or even sharing its photo on Instagram or Twitter. That’s called Socialize to Earn, Move to Earn, and Play to Earn - three earning models bundled into one app.
The app uses two tokens: IGU and IGUP. IGU is the governance token - you can vote on updates and future features. IGUP is the in-game currency. You earn IGUP by completing daily tasks, and you can later exchange it for IGU or other crypto.
As of early 2026, IGU trades around $0.00135 on CoinMarketCap, with a tiny 24-hour volume of just $18,198. IGUP is worth about $0.0003758, and it’s practically inactive in trading - no volume means almost no liquidity. That’s a red flag for anyone thinking of holding it long-term.
How CoinMarketCap Airdrops Work (In Theory)
CoinMarketCap doesn’t create its own tokens. Instead, it acts as a distribution hub. When a new crypto project wants to get exposure, they pay CoinMarketCap to list their airdrop. Users sign up with a valid email, complete a few tasks - like following a Twitter account or joining a Telegram group - and then receive tokens after the project launches.
But here’s the catch: CoinMarketCap doesn’t verify the legitimacy of these projects. It’s a marketplace, not a watchdog. As of early 2026, both the “Current Airdrops” and “Upcoming Airdrops” sections on their site were empty. That’s unusual. Most platforms have at least one live airdrop running. It suggests CoinMarketCap has scaled back its involvement in these campaigns.
The World Cup NFT Claim - What Went Wrong?
There was never an official announcement from IguVerse or CoinMarketCap about a World Cup Finals NFT airdrop. No press release. No blog post. No verified social media thread from either team.
Instead, a YouTube video titled “Iguverse Coinmarketcap NFT Airdrop” popped up in late 2024. It showed someone claiming to have received an NFT after linking their wallet and completing a task. The video had over 80,000 views. Comments were full of people asking how to join. But the video never showed the official website, the contract address, or a timestamp. It didn’t even mention the World Cup Finals in the description.
Turns out, it was likely a user who participated in a test version of IguVerse’s pet NFT launch - not a World Cup event. The “World Cup Finals” part was added by viewers who assumed anything big had to be tied to the tournament. It was a case of mistaken identity amplified by hype.
Who Got Anything?
Some users did receive NFTs - but not from a World Cup campaign. IguVerse quietly rolled out a limited pet NFT mint in November 2024. Only users who had been active in the app for at least 30 days, with a pet at Level 5 or higher, were eligible. The NFTs were cosmetic - different hat styles, accessories - and gave no extra rewards. They were purely collectible.
These NFTs were not listed on OpenSea. They couldn’t be traded. They didn’t unlock new features. And they were never tied to CoinMarketCap. The only connection? A few users posted their NFTs on CoinMarketCap’s social feeds, thinking it was a promotion. That’s how the rumor started.
Why It Matters
This whole situation highlights a bigger problem in crypto: people confuse visibility with legitimacy. Just because a project appears on CoinMarketCap doesn’t mean it’s safe. Just because a video has thousands of views doesn’t mean it’s real.
IguVerse’s core idea - earning by walking and sharing - is actually interesting. The app works. The mechanics are clear. The tokens are real. But the World Cup NFT airdrop? That was never real. It was a ghost story told by excited users and amplified by bad information.
If you’re looking to earn crypto without gambling, IguVerse’s daily tasks still work. But don’t chase hype. Don’t click random links promising free NFTs tied to big events. If it’s real, it’ll be on the official website - not on YouTube.
What You Should Do Now
Here’s the truth: IguVerse’s World Cup NFT airdrop is over. It never existed as advertised. But if you still want to try IguVerse:
- Download the official app from the App Store or Google Play - search for “IguVerse,” not “IguVerse World Cup.”
- Create a pet. Complete your daily walks and social tasks.
- Track your IGUP earnings. Don’t expect quick riches.
- Ignore any third-party sites or Telegram groups claiming to offer “exclusive access.”
There are no more NFT drops. No refunds. No hidden bonuses. The only value left is in the daily grind - walking, feeding, sharing.
Final Reality Check
There’s no such thing as a free lunch in crypto - especially when it’s tied to a global event like the World Cup. If someone’s promising you an NFT just for signing up, they’re either misinformed or trying to sell you something else - like a referral link or a fake wallet.
IguVerse isn’t dead. But its World Cup NFT airdrop? That was a mirage. Don’t chase it. Focus on what’s real: the app, the pets, and the slow, steady way to earn IGUP.
Was there ever a real IguVerse x CoinMarketCap World Cup NFT airdrop?
No. There was never an official airdrop tied to the World Cup Finals. The idea came from a misleading YouTube video and user confusion. IguVerse did release limited cosmetic NFTs for active users, but they were unrelated to CoinMarketCap or the World Cup.
How do I know if an airdrop is real?
Check the official website. Look for a press release, a blog post, or a verified social media announcement. Never trust YouTube videos or Telegram groups. If CoinMarketCap lists it, verify the project’s own site - they don’t vet every airdrop.
Can I still get IguVerse NFTs?
No. The only NFTs ever issued were cosmetic pet accessories given to long-term users in late 2024. No new NFT drops are planned. The project has shifted focus to daily earning through walking and social tasks.
Are IGU and IGUP worth anything?
IGU trades at around $0.00135 with low volume. IGUP is worth $0.0003758 and has zero trading volume. Neither has liquidity or exchange support. They’re only useful inside the IguVerse app for daily rewards. Don’t buy them expecting to cash out.
Should I download the IguVerse app?
Only if you want to earn small amounts of IGUP by walking and sharing pet photos. It’s not a way to get rich. But if you enjoy mobile games and want to turn daily steps into crypto, it’s harmless. Just don’t expect NFTs, airdrops, or big returns.
