World Cup 2026 Betting Expected to Reach Massive Numbers as Futures Market Heats Up

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup only weeks away, betting markets are already heating up across the United States and internationally. With the tournament expanding to 48 teams and 104 matches, there’s simply going to be more matches to bet on every single day once things begin in mid-June. Add in the fact that the United States is one of the host nations, and sportsbooks are expecting betting volume to climb to record levels.

Right now, projections have the U.S. betting handle topping $3 billion during the tournament. That would represent roughly a 72% jump compared to the $1.8 billion wagered during the 2022 World Cup. Honestly, the increase isn’t that surprising considering how much sports betting has changed over the last four years. More states now offer legal betting, live wagering keeps growing, and soccer betting overall has become far more popular with American bettors.

The format change alone is going to push betting activity higher. Moving from 64 matches to 104 creates far more opportunities for bettors, especially once live wagering starts during matches. Live betting should be enormous during this tournament simply because games will run throughout the day, and momentum can swing quickly. With 40 more matches compared to the 2022 tournament, sportsbooks are expecting much heavier engagement from both casual fans and experienced soccer bettors.

First-time bettors are also expected to play a major role. Some projections suggest nearly 90% of American bettors planning to wager on the 2026 World Cup will be doing so for the first time. That alone could drive betting numbers even higher, especially when the United States Men’s National Team is involved.

Right now, France (+500) and Spain (+450) are leading most futures boards, with England (+600) not far behind. Bettors are still backing Brazil and Argentina heavily, especially with Argentina entering the tournament as defending champion. France currently holds the highest percentage of total betting handle among the favorites, which usually points toward larger wagers landing there compared to teams attracting more casual betting action.

Spain and England are generating the highest number of individual tickets so far, which typically reflects broader public confidence. France, meanwhile, appears to be drawing bigger wagers overall. Sportsbooks pay close attention to the difference between ticket count and total handle because it often reveals where sharper money is going compared to casual betting volume.

The United States has become one of the biggest sportsbook liabilities entering the tournament. Depending on the market, USMNT odds have ranged anywhere from +4000 to +6600, and bettors continue backing the host nation heavily despite the longer odds. Teams attracting strong betting support at those prices can become expensive outcomes for sportsbooks if they make a deep run. Futures markets are especially risky because those tickets stay active for months.

Portugal (+1100) has also become a notable liability because bettors keep buying into the idea of Cristiano Ronaldo making one final World Cup push. Big-name players always draw betting attention during international tournaments, especially when there’s a storyline attached to them. Colombia is another team sportsbooks are monitoring closely after strong qualifying performances pushed bettors toward longer-shot futures prices in the +3300 to +4000 range at BetOnline.

Germany (+1400), meanwhile, has reportedly been one of the better outcomes for sportsbooks so far because betting interest hasn’t matched the team’s talent level or tournament history.

The interesting part right now isn’t only which teams are favored. It’s how much larger the betting market itself has become. Between the expanded field, increased legalization, nonstop live wagering opportunities, and the United States hosting matches, sportsbooks are preparing for the biggest World Cup betting event North America has ever seen.