World Cup 2026 betting: Analysts project how many billions could be wagered

The 2026 World Cup could generate billions of dollars in sports betting handle across the United States, according to new estimates from Deutsche Bank.

Deutsche Bank analysts projected that the 2026 World Cup could produce between $2.5 billion and $4.1 billion in US betting handle, with a base-case estimate of $3.3 billion, as reported by Earnings+More.

That would more than double the estimated $1.6 billion wagered during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

For sportsbooks, the tournament represents far more than another major soccer event.

For bettors, this could mark one of the most aggressive customer acquisition periods the US gambling industry has experienced in years.

Why sportsbooks are bullish on the World Cup

Several factors are driving the optimistic outlook.

The 2026 World Cup will feature 104 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico, up from 64 matches in 2022.

That means more betting markets, more matchdays, more live betting opportunities and a longer engagement window for sportsbooks.

The tournament also arrives at a very different moment for US sports betting.

According to Deutsche Bank, the number of Americans with access to legal online sports betting has increased roughly 30% since the last World Cup, with approximately 135 million people now able to bet legally online.

Favorable kickoff times for North American audiences, increased media coverage, and stronger fan engagement are also expected to boost betting activity.

Sportsbooks see the World Cup as a customer acquisition event

Deutsche Bank estimated that FanDuel could generate an incremental $1.3 billion in handle from the World Cup, with DraftKings close behind at $1.1 billion and BetMGM at $250 million.

But sportsbook executives appear to be looking beyond short-term betting volume.

DraftKings CFO Alan Ellingson recently described the World Cup as a "fantastic" engagement and acquisition opportunity.

Flutter Entertainment CFO Rob Coldrake also suggested there is sometimes a misconception that the World Cup is purely a major profit-making event, instead framing it as a customer acquisition opportunity that can generate future revenue over time.

For bettors, that likely means more promotions, more boosted markets, more app engagement campaigns and more competition between sportsbooks throughout the tournament.

That could also lead to increased interest from casual fans learning how to bet on the World Cup for the first time, particularly with the tournament taking place across North America.

Prediction markets could also play a role

The report also highlighted the growing influence of prediction markets ahead of the tournament.

As part of its projections, Deutsche Bank referenced Kalshi market data suggesting there is a 42% chance the United States reaches the round of 16.

That is notable because prediction markets are increasingly becoming part of the broader sports betting conversation alongside traditional sportsbooks.

Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket will likely see significant World Cup activity as users continue to explore alternative ways to engage with sports events, while FIFA recently announced a partnership with ADI Predictstreet, naming the company as the tournament's official partner in the prediction market category. 

What bettors should understand

For bettors, the biggest takeaway may be that the 2026 World Cup is shaping up as a major commercial moment for the gambling industry.

Sportsbooks are likely to compete aggressively for customer attention throughout the tournament, particularly as growth in the broader US betting market begins slowing compared to previous years.

That competition could create genuine value for consumers through better promos, expanded markets and more product innovation.

But it also means bettors should expect sportsbooks and prediction market platforms to fight hard for engagement, retention and long-term customers during the tournament.