Token Gains 12% as Project Launches in US Markets

TLDR

• World (formerly Worldcoin) launches in six major US cities with payment and identity verification features
• The project plans to introduce a Visa card for spending WLD tokens and other cryptocurrencies
• World is partnering with Match Group for identity verification on dating platforms, starting with Tinder in Japan
• Circle’s USDC integration is coming to World Chain, improving global transfers
• WLD price is up 12% weekly, trading at $1.04

Sam Altman’s crypto-linked human identity project, World (formerly Worldcoin), is expanding its operations into the United States while adding new features that combine payment capabilities with digital identity verification.

The initiative is now available in six major US cities: Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco. This marks a shift from its previous international focus to a domestic presence in key technology and cultural hubs.

World enables users to verify their identity through a World ID, receiving WLD tokens in exchange. The project was developed by Tools for Humanity and co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman alongside CEO Alex Blania.

The US launch comes at a time when the Trump administration has adopted policies that are more welcoming to crypto-related businesses. This timing may help the project gain traction in the American market.

As part of its US rollout, World announced plans to release a Visa card later this year. This card will allow users to spend their WLD tokens and other cryptocurrencies at any merchant that accepts Visa payments.

The card will connect directly to users’ World App wallets, creating a seamless experience for crypto holders who want to use their digital assets for everyday purchases.

Payment Innovations and Partnerships

According to the project team, the Visa integration will enable crypto spending without requiring merchants to handle digital assets. Transactions will automatically convert to fiat currency at the point of sale, removing barriers for traditional retailers.

World is also forming strategic partnerships to expand its use cases. A collaboration with Match Group, the company behind popular dating platforms like Tinder, Hinge, and Match.com, will begin with a pilot program on Tinder in Japan.

The partnership aims to verify that users on dating platforms are real individuals, addressing common concerns about fake profiles in online dating spaces.

The project has also integrated with the Kalshi prediction marketplace through a new Mini App within the World App. This allows users to participate in forecasting events based on verified human identities.

World is continuing its work with specialized biometric devices called Orbs, which confirm a user’s humanity through iris scans. The company emphasizes that it does not store users’ biometric data, using the information only to verify personhood.

Plans are in development for a smaller “mini-Orb” device that would allow faster onboarding as the company works toward its goal of reaching 1 billion users.

USDC Integration Enhances Transfer Capabilities

In a recent development, World announced plans to integrate Circle’s USDC stablecoin and Cross Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP) V2 on the World Chain network. This move aims to improve global transfers across the platform.

Currently, users can access bridged USDC on the network, but an upgrade to issue the stablecoin directly is coming soon. When implemented, all existing bridged USDC on World Chain will convert to native USDC.

The company states this will provide users with coins that are fully backed by highly liquid cash and cash-equivalent assets. The CCTP V2 upgrade will make cross-chain transfers more seamless and cost-effective.

World’s user base now exceeds 26 million World App users, with approximately 12 million confirmed as “unique humans.” The project continues to expand its utility in digital identity, payments, and Web3 user verification.

The WLD token, which powers the World ecosystem, is showing positive market movement. At the time of reporting, WLD was trading at $1.04, with a weekly increase of 12%. The token showed a small 0.25% gain in the most recent trading session.

Market analysts note that bulls currently dominate the AI token based on the 3-month bias indicator, suggesting continued optimism among investors about WLD’s price prospects.

The combination of US expansion, new payment features, and strategic partnerships appears to be fueling positive sentiment around the World project and its native token.