28 May 2026
Forecasts Point to Record U.S. Betting Surge for Expanded 2026 World Cup
Bookies.com has released projections showing Americans will place $3.1 billion in wagers on 2026 World Cup matches through legal online sportsbooks operating across dozens of states, while prediction platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket are expected to process another $2.4 billion in related activity. The combined total surpasses the $1.8 billion handled during the 2022 tournament and also exceeds typical figures for the Super Bowl, driven by the event's expansion to 48 teams and 104 total matches along with an increased number of prime-time games available to U.S. viewers.
Key Drivers Behind the Projected Increase
The tournament expansion creates more betting opportunities across a longer schedule, and observers note that additional prime-time slots in the United States will align with peak viewing hours for many potential participants. Data shows this structure allows for greater engagement during evening hours when audiences in multiple time zones can participate simultaneously, and the PwC survey conducted in April among more than 2,000 adults found 58 percent of Americans intend to place at least one bet on the event, with roughly one-third planning wagers of $250 or higher.
Comparison to Previous Events
Previous World Cup cycles generated lower overall handles because fewer matches and less favorable scheduling limited exposure for American bettors, whereas the 2026 format extends the competition calendar and distributes high-profile contests across more accessible times. Researchers tracking market trends have observed steady growth in legal sports betting since state-level expansions began, and the current forecast reflects that trajectory continuing into the next major international soccer event. The Super Bowl comparison further illustrates the scale, as the single-game championship typically draws concentrated but shorter-duration betting volume compared to the multi-week World Cup schedule.
Prediction markets add a distinct layer because they operate on event outcomes and related propositions rather than traditional point spreads or totals, allowing participants to trade shares that settle based on actual results. Figures from the forecast indicate these platforms will capture a meaningful share of activity alongside conventional sportsbooks, particularly as regulatory clarity has increased participation in states where such markets are available.
Survey Insights and Participation Patterns
The PwC poll reveals broad interest across demographic groups, with plans for both small recreational bets and larger individual wagers distributed throughout the sample. Those who've studied similar surveys note that stated intentions often translate into actual activity when matches begin, especially when the tournament receives heavy media coverage and scheduling favors domestic audiences. Legal sports betting markets in multiple states provide the infrastructure for these transactions, and the forecast assumes continued operation under existing regulatory frameworks through the 2026 event.
Market analysts have tracked rising participation rates in states that legalized online betting earlier, and the World Cup's global profile combined with expanded match counts appears positioned to accelerate that pattern. Data indicates higher average wager amounts among those already familiar with sportsbooks, while first-time participants contribute to overall volume through smaller entries that accumulate across the full tournament.
Market Context in Mid-2026
As of May 2026, preparations for the expanded tournament continue with operators adjusting offerings to accommodate the longer schedule and additional prime-time windows. Observers point out that prediction market volumes have grown in parallel with sports betting legalization, creating complementary channels for participants seeking different risk profiles. The combined projections from Bookies.com reflect expectations that both segments will see elevated activity compared with prior cycles, supported by the structural changes to the competition format.
State regulatory environments remain stable in jurisdictions where betting is permitted, allowing platforms to promote World Cup-specific markets in advance of the opening matches. The forecast incorporates these conditions and assumes no major disruptions to availability between now and the tournament period.
Conclusion
Projections from Bookies.com outline a significant increase in U.S. wagering activity tied directly to the 2026 World Cup's expanded format, longer schedule, and favorable U.S. broadcast windows, with traditional sportsbooks and prediction markets together expected to process $5.5 billion. The PwC survey data on participation intentions aligns with these expectations by showing majority interest among American adults, including substantial planned wager sizes for a notable portion of respondents. These figures build on established trends in legal betting markets and reflect the impact of tournament structure on overall handle volume.