The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to generate up to $10 billion in betting and prediction market activity, boosting platforms like Robinhood and Coinbase.
2026 World Cup Anticipated to Drive Massive Betting Activity
The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup is projected to generate as much as $10 billion in betting and prediction market trading, according to Bernstein. The investment firm regards this global tournament as a crucial opportunity for both the prediction markets and sports betting industries.
Set to begin in North America with an expanded format featuring 104 matches and 48 teams, the event is expected to create around 60% more betting opportunities than previous editions. Bernstein estimates an additional $3 billion in handling, contributing to an overall increase in consumer volume.
Despite typically being a slow period for online sports betting, the World Cup is seen as a "potential watershed moment" for these markets. Analysts suggest that this event could invigorate platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket, enhancing their growth prospects in what is projected to be a trillion-dollar market by 2030.
Leading up to the event, DraftKings reported a significant increase in betting activity, with May's annualized consumer volume rising by 24% month-over-month to $1.3 billion and total trading volume increasing by 34% to $3.1 billion. Bernstein emphasized that prediction markets provide a new way to monetize sports engagement rather than competing directly with traditional sportsbooks.
Robinhood plans to launch its CFTC-licensed prediction markets exchange, Rothera, during the World Cup, while Coinbase is offering World Cup contracts through its partnership with Kalshi, having already achieved over $100 million in annualized revenue from prediction markets within two months of its launch.
As for the tournament itself, predictions on the Myriad platform suggest Spain holds an 18% chance of winning, closely followed by France at 17%.
