World Cup 2026 Could Generate More Than $50 Billion in Bets

The 2026 FIFA World Cup could become the biggest betting event in history, according to a new report from investment bank Macquarie.

Analysts estimate that global legal sports betting turnover during the tournament could exceed $50 billion. The forecast is based on the expanded format of the competition, which will feature 48 teams and 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Macquarie estimates that bettors wagered more than $35 billion on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. With 40 additional matches scheduled for 2026, total betting volume could increase by around $15 billion.

The bank expects betting activity to remain close to 2022 levels on a per-match basis, while additional growth could come from popular products such as parlays, live betting, and player prop markets.

The report also highlights the rapid expansion of legal sports betting in the United States. Around 65% of the U.S. population now has access to legal sportsbooks, compared to roughly 40% during the previous World Cup.

According to Macquarie, the tournament could deliver long-term value for operators if they successfully convert World Cup bettors into regular customers. Companies with strong exposure to international football markets are expected to benefit the most.

The report names Flutter Entertainment, Super Group, and Rush Street Interactive among the operators best positioned to take advantage of increased betting activity. Sports data providers Sportradar and Genius Sports could also benefit from higher betting volumes during the tournament.

With more matches, wider betting access, and growing interest in sports wagering, the 2026 World Cup is expected to set new records for the industry.