The 2026 World Cup is set to generate a staggering amount in betting revenue

Last update at 8 June, 2026⏲️ Reading time: 3 minutes

The 2026 World Cup is set to break all records. Not only in terms of the number of teams or matches, but also in something that is becoming increasingly important: the volume of money that will be moved through betting.

Forecasts point to very significant figures. In North America alone, it is expected that more than 3.1 billion dollars will be wagered online during the tournament. And that is only part of the market.

To this volume we must add the growth of so-called prediction markets, platforms that allow users to bet on events, including matches. Together, they could move more than an additional 2.4 billion dollars, further increasing the global impact of the tournament.

With all this, the 2026 World Cup has all the ingredients to become the largest sports betting event in history.

Why will so much be bet?

It is no coincidence. Several factors are driving this growth:

More matches than ever: the new format with 48 teams increases the tournament to 104 games.
More markets available: outright winners, goal scorers, specials, accumulators…
Greater accessibility: online sports betting continues to grow worldwide.
New players: prediction markets are attracting a different type of user.

Europe will also play a key role

Although media attention is focused on the United States, in Europe the impact will be equal or even greater in terms of betting culture. Markets such as the United Kingdom, Spain, France, and Italy have been leading the sector for years, especially in football.

For example, in Spain, prediction markets are banned and have already been sanctioned by consumer protection authorities, so betting volume will be concentrated in regulated operators.

Discover here a complete list of licensed legal operators in Ireland for betting on the World Cup with full peace of mind.

How much money should you bet during the 2026 World Cup?

With all the hype surrounding the World Cup, it is easy to get carried away. More matches, more markets, and more opportunities… but that does not mean you should bet more without control. The key is to have a clear strategy — here is how:

Very important! Set a budget before the tournament starts.
Only bet a small portion of your bankroll on each prediction (1–3% is usual).
Avoid increasing stakes due to winning or losing streaks or emotions.
And above all, do not try to recover losses quickly. Remember that betting should always be a form of entertainment, not an income source.

The World Cup lasts for weeks, it is not a sprint. The users who achieve the best results are those who stay calm, stay well informed, and follow a plan. If you are unsure what to bet on, you can always check the free predictions from our sports analysts — they do all the hard work for you!