The upcoming FIFA World Cup is expected to generate unprecedented wagering activity in the United States, with projections suggesting total betting volumes could exceed $3 billion and potentially surpass levels seen during the Super Bowl. A new forecast from Bookies.com estimates that legal online sportsbooks alone may handle about $3.1 billion in bets from US players during the tournament.
Beyond traditional sportsbooks, additional wagering channels are expected to significantly increase overall activity. Platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket are projected to contribute a further $2.4 billion in World Cup-related trades, reflecting how betting activity is extending into prediction markets alongside conventional operators. Interest is also expected to build gradually as fixtures approach, with engagement typically rising once group-stage schedules and matchups become clearer for casual bettors and more dedicated participants alike.
Betting Expansion Driven By Markets And Format Change
This expansion builds on momentum from previous tournaments. During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Americans legally placed roughly $1.8 billion in bets, a figure that already approached Super Bowl betting levels at the time. The latest projections indicate that rapid legalization of mobile sports wagering across more US states has significantly increased participation since then.
Analysts also point to structural changes in the tournament itself as a key factor. The 2026 edition will feature an expanded 48-team format, up from 32 teams in 2022, resulting in 104 matches and a wider range of betting opportunities. Growing mainstream interest in soccer among American audiences has also contributed to its rising status as a major betting sport.
“Prediction markets have been around for a long time, but they didn’t start taking sports trades until last year,” Bill Speros, sports betting analyst for Bookies.com, said.
A survey conducted by PwC found that 58 percent of Americans plan to place some form of wager on the tournament, whether through sportsbooks, prediction markets, fantasy contests, or informal betting arrangements. Among those respondents, about one-third expect to stake at least $250, based on a poll of more than 2,000 adults conducted in April. The survey also highlights how betting interest spans both casual fans and more engaged participants who follow international football closely.
Odds, Expectations, And Market Outlook For Teams
Market expectations for the tournament also include detailed odds for leading national teams. According to data from DraftKings,France and Spain are currently among the favorites, with odds ranging between +450 and +500. England follows at around +650, with Brazil listed near +800, while reigning champions Argentina sit at approximately +900.
The United States national team is viewed as an outsider in the title race, with odds estimated between +6,000 and +8,000, implying roughly a 1 percent chance of winning. Despite that, sportsbooks still anticipate strong early-stage performance, with the team favored to win its group and projected to advance beyond the opening round against opponents including Turkey, Paraguay, and Australia.
Source:
“Americans expected to wager more than $3B on the World Cup – surpassing Super Bowl”, independent.co.uk, May 21, 2026
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