The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S. sparked a sustained surge in club soccer betting, with handle reaching $60.2 million in Colorado alone, a near 250% increase from 2022. Major sportsbooks like Bet MGM and Hard Rock Bet reported continued momentum post-tournament, noting a 24.5% year-over-year increase in bets and a 34.5% rise in handle for club soccer in the two months following the World Cup. Stars like Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane drove significant interest, attracting double the bets compared to the prior year.
MLS betting also saw substantial growth, with tickets up 30.4% and money wagered up 38.8% from mid-July to October. The league's move to a fall-spring schedule is expected to further integrate U.S. betting patterns with global soccer calendars. The momentum shows no signs of slowing as domestic leagues and European competitions capture the attention of newly engaged bettors.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing