The 2026 FIFA World Cup, starting in Mexico City and concluding at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, is anticipated to be the largest betting event ever, with analysts estimating global wagers could surpass $50 billion, a notable increase from over $35 billion during the 2022 tournament.
Macquarie analyst Chad Beynon highlights that the expanded format, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches, along with favorable time zones and increased legal sports betting access in the U.S., will create substantial opportunities for sportsbooks and sports-data companies.
The World Cup is expected to boost operator EBITDA by 2% to 5% in 2027, particularly benefiting companies like Flutter Entertainment, which has a strong international presence. Deutsche Bank forecasts that U.S. betting handle could reach approximately $3.3 billion, with FanDuel and DraftKings projected to lead the market with $1.3 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively.
The U.S. sports betting landscape has matured since 2022, with 65% of the population now having legal access to betting, compared to 40% previously. Enhanced betting options and the unpredictability of the tournament could drive significant engagement spikes, especially if the U.S. Men's National Team performs well.
Additionally, the rise of prediction markets, which are gaining traction among bettors, could further diversify the betting landscape. However, concerns about responsible gambling persist, as the frequency of matches and promotional strategies may lead to increased gambling dependence among users