As the U.S., Canada, and Mexico gear up to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, betting activity surrounding the event is projected to reach unprecedented levels. Current forecasts estimate that U.S. bettors will place nearly $3 billion in wagers through online sportsbooks, alongside billions more on prediction market platforms.
According to H2 Gambling Capital, the $2.9 billion forecast for U.S. sportsbooks reflects a significant increase, projecting a 71% rise from the betting figures seen during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. This estimate pertains solely to legal sportsbooks in the U.S. Excluding unregulated sites, the global betting market could see upwards of $60 billion.
Eilers & Krejcik Gaming offers a base case estimate of $2.82 billion in online wagers for the tournament, depending on the performance of the U.S. men’s national team (USMNT). Should the team reach at least the Round of 32, this figure could rise further due to increased interest and participation.
The 2026 World Cup introduces an expanded format with 48 teams, leading to 104 games compared to 64 in previous tournaments. This expansion, along with the surge in app-based sports betting and prediction market platforms, has created optimal conditions for a record-breaking betting environment.
Leading platforms DraftKings and FanDuel are expected to dominate this betting landscape, collectively handling about 70% of World Cup wagers. In addition to team winners, significant betting activity is anticipated for individual player achievements, such as leading goalscorer, with Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane attracting notable attention.
The rise of prediction markets, permitted by federal regulations, further diversifies betting opportunities, offering users unique contracts based on event outcomes.
Why this story matters
- The 2026 World Cup is poised to set new records for sports betting, reflecting the growing cultural and financial significance of the event.
Key takeaway
- The combination of an expanded tournament format and legalized sports betting is expected to drive participation to unprecedented levels.
Opposing viewpoint
- Skeptics caution against potential gambling addiction and the impacts of normalizing sports betting, highlighting concerns that may accompany increased engagement.
