World Cup 2026 to Draw $50 Billion in Global Bets

Macquarie projects global wagers on the 2026 World Cup will exceed $50 billion, driven by an expanded tournament format and wider legal access to betting in the United States. The tournament began June 11 in Mexico City and runs across venues in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The $50 billion projection follows an estimated $35 billion handle at the 2022 World Cup. The 2026 event features 48 teams and 104 matches, which Macquarie analyst Chad Beynon estimates would average roughly $500 million wagered per match if the forecast holds.

Regulated U.S. prediction markets have listed World Cup contracts for the first time alongside traditional sportsbooks. Platforms including Kalshi and Polymarket are offering event contracts, and newer services have launched soccer products tied to the tournament. Legal access to sports betting in the United States has expanded to about 65% of the population, up from roughly 40% during the last World Cup, though the U.S. is still expected to account for less than 10% of the global handle, near $3 billion.

Federal and state regulators are addressing how prediction markets operate. On June 10 the Commodity Futures Trading Commission proposed a rule defining sports event contracts as “gaming” while permitting most such contracts. Several states have filed lawsuits alleging that one platform is offering illegal sports betting. Regulatory decisions and court rulings will affect how prediction markets operate in specific U.S. jurisdictions.

Crypto-linked sportsbooks and betting platforms have launched promotions timed to the tournament. Stake unveiled a global campaign featuring former professional players, Betfury announced a $600,000 World Cup promotion, and 1win offered $5 million in tournament rewards. Industry analysts expect operators to use the World Cup to recruit new customers and try to convert one-time participants into regular bettors, with Macquarie estimating a 2% to 5% boost to operator earnings into 2027 and naming Flutter among the best positioned.

Flutter Chief Executive Peter Jackson described the tournament as “the biggest betting opportunity we’ll have ever seen.” Consumer advocates and public-health groups expressed concerns about increased betting access and marketing. Les Bernal of Stop Predatory Gambling warned the surge in promotion and availability could push many people into severe debt and noted research showing most gambling revenue comes from a small share of heavy spenders. A United Kingdom study found that about 79% of gambling revenue is generated by the top 10% of spenders.

FIFA removed gambling sponsor names from World Cup host stadiums. Traders, operators, regulators and public officials are monitoring litigation and rulemaking as the tournament proceeds through its 104 matches.