Record Projections Point to Unprecedented Wagering on 2026 World Cup Across U.S. Markets

Bookies.com has released forecasts indicating Americans will place $3.1 billion in legal online sports bets on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins June 11 and spans Canada, Mexico, and the United States; prediction platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket stand to process an extra $2.4 billion according to the same analysis.

These figures exceed the $1.8 billion wagered on the 2022 tournament and the $1.76 billion record set during the 2026 Super Bowl, while a PwC survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults reveals 58 percent intend to participate through sportsbooks, prediction markets, fantasy formats, or informal channels with roughly one-third planning stakes of $250 or higher.

Projected Handle and Market Expansion

Data from the forecast shows the 48-team format expands the schedule to 104 matches, creating additional betting opportunities during prime-time North American windows that align with evening audiences across multiple time zones. Seven states have legalized sports betting since 2022, adding regulatory infrastructure that supports online platforms and increases overall accessibility for participants.

Analysts at Bookies.com compiled these projections by examining historical handle patterns, state-level legalization timelines, and participation rates from prior major events, which allows the model to account for both established markets and newer jurisdictions entering the space.

Survey Insights on Consumer Intentions

The PwC poll captures detailed expectations around wager sizes and preferred channels, with responses indicating strong interest in combining traditional sportsbooks with prediction market tools that offer contract-based outcomes on match results and tournament progression. Observers note the 58 percent participation rate reflects broader familiarity with legal betting options that have grown since earlier World Cup cycles.

Those surveyed highlighted the convenience of mobile apps and the availability of varied bet types, which together contribute to the anticipated volume when the expanded field generates more games and longer viewing periods.

Key Drivers Behind the Increased Activity

Prime-time scheduling places many matches during peak hours for U.S. viewers, reducing time-zone barriers that affected earlier tournaments hosted primarily in Europe or South America, while the addition of new states since 2022 brings legal frameworks to regions previously limited to offshore or illegal alternatives. The 104-match slate further multiplies opportunities compared with the 64 games of 2022.

Market operators have responded by expanding promotional offerings and improving platform features that streamline deposits, live updates, and cash-out functions, all of which align with the preferences reported in the PwC findings.

Comparisons With Prior Events

Handle on the 2022 World Cup reached $1.8 billion through legal channels, while the most recent Super Bowl produced $1.76 billion; the 2026 projections surpass both benchmarks and reflect cumulative effects from expanded legalization plus heightened event visibility in host countries. Prediction markets add a distinct layer because they operate under different regulatory structures yet still draw from the same pool of interested bettors.

State gaming reports from recent years show consistent growth in total handle during major soccer events, providing a baseline that supports the higher estimates for next summer's competition.

Regulatory and Platform Landscape in Mid-2026

As of May 2026, regulatory environments continue to stabilize in newer states, enabling operators to prepare infrastructure ahead of the June kickoff; this preparation includes integration with prediction platforms that have seen rising user volumes on political and sports contracts. The combined $5.5 billion projection encompasses both traditional sportsbooks and these specialized markets, illustrating how different products serve overlapping audiences.

Platform data indicates increased sign-ups and deposit activity in the months leading into the tournament, consistent with patterns observed before previous high-profile events.

Conclusion

The forecasts and survey data together outline a clear trajectory of rising participation and larger total handle for the 2026 World Cup, driven by structural changes in the number of matches, state-level legalization, and scheduling advantages within North America. These elements position the event to set new benchmarks for legal sports betting volumes across the United States.