The United States' 1-0 loss to Belgium in the round of 16 set a new high-water mark for soccer betting in the United States. Bet MGM reported more wagers on the match than any 2026 College Football Playoff game (excluding the championship) or any NBA, NHL, MLB, or college basketball championship, while Caesars Sportsbook saw 81% of its handle on the U.S. to advance. The tight -130 line on the Belgium game proved especially lucrative for books, turning a night that had previously favored the home side into a major profit center.

A single bettor at Las Vegas' Circa Sportsbook placed a $750,000 wager on the United States to qualify at those odds, underscoring the scale of exposure sportsbooks carried. With the U.S. eliminated, the largest future liabilities at most operators have vanished, allowing them to reset risk ahead of the next rounds. Bookmakers now focus on France, the current +180 favorite, followed by Spain, Argentina and England, hoping star power from Messi, Mbappé and Haaland sustains betting volume.

Industry executives, including Bet MGM senior trader Christian Cipollini and Caesars head of soccer Mark Bickerdike, expect a modest dip in handle but remain confident that marquee matchups will keep action strong through the final. Draft Kings' Johnny Avello echoed that fan engagement will likely persist despite the home team's exit.