2026 World Cup Could Set US Betting Record with $5.47 Billion in Volume

The 2026 FIFA World Cup could become the biggest event in the history of US sports betting. The forecast was presented by sports betting website Bookies.com in a study estimating betting volume for the tournament.

Americans are expected to bet $3.1 billion on 2026 World Cup matches through legal bookmakers. Another $2.37 billion could be generated by prediction market platforms Kalshi and Polymarket. As a result, the combined figure could potentially reach $5.47 billion.

For comparison, US legal bookmakers took about $1.8 billion in bets on the 2022 World Cup.

Bookies.com expects significant growth because of the expanded format. In 2026, the tournament will feature 48 teams for the first time instead of 32, while the number of matches will increase from 64 to 104. The total could also be boosted by convenient kick-off times for North American audiences and the growing number of states where sports betting is legal.

The study also notes that 64% of respondents in states with legal betting plan to bet on 2026 World Cup matches. Another 29% expect to place their first bet during the tournament.

Bookies.com also provided a breakdown by US host states with legal sports betting. The highest betting volumes are expected in:

• New York — $255.3 million;
• New Jersey — $222.6 million;
• Florida — $197.2 million;
• Massachusetts — $158.5 million;
• Pennsylvania — $104.5 million;
• Missouri — $56.9 million;
• Washington — $10 million.

The 2026 World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Matches will be played at 16 stadiums across the three countries.