Prediction Markets Gain Interest Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

Prediction markets are gaining attention ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, especially among younger bettors. A new survey from fraud prevention and compliance company SEON found that 19% of U.S. adults plan to use prediction markets during the tournament.

Traditional sportsbooks remain ahead, with 29% of respondents saying they plan to use licensed betting apps. However, prediction markets already rank above social casinos, crypto betting platforms, and offshore betting sites in the survey.

Interest is especially strong among Millennials. According to SEON, 36% of Millennial respondents said they plan to use prediction markets during the World Cup. That is close to the 38% who selected licensed sportsbooks.

“Prediction markets let consumers put money behind what they think they know,” said George Pace, Lead Product Marketing Manager for Betting and Gaming at SEON. “The World Cup amplifies it.”

Pace explained that the tournament creates a constant news cycle with many possible outcomes, from group-stage results to individual player performances. For younger fans, prediction markets offer a simple way to participate in real time instead of only watching matches.

The survey also highlighted security concerns. Nearly 45% of respondents said they were not confident that betting platforms could protect their personal and financial information during a major event such as the World Cup.

SEON also found that 24% of respondents had already seen social media scams related to World Cup betting. Another 18% reported seeing fake betting apps or websites.

For operators, the main challenge will be balancing fast user onboarding with fraud prevention as traffic rises during the tournament.