US sportsbooks are bracing for unprecedented World Cup betting action this summer. Industry analysts project $2.9 billion will be wagered on the tournament across American sportsbooks, more than double what was bet on the 2022 World Cup. This figure could surge to $4.4 billion if the US team makes an unexpected deep run.

The World Cup betting boom represents a dramatic shift from traditional US sports preferences. March Madness typically draws over $3 billion in bets, while Super Bowl LX generated approximately $1.7 billion in wagers. The expanded tournament format—from 32 to 48 teams—adds 40 more matches to the betting slate, creating sustained engagement over six weeks.

Sportradar vice president Brian Josephs compared the World Cup to "a couple dozen Super Bowls back-to-back-to-back-to-back," highlighting the concentrated betting intensity. DraftKings chief revenue officer Greg Karamitis noted the tournament transforms what is typically a quiet summer period for sportsbooks.

Globally, $60 billion is expected to be wagered on the World Cup at regulated sportsbooks, marking a 71% increase from 2022. Prediction markets will also see significant action, with DeFi Rate projecting over $2.5 billion in World Cup trading volume on US platforms.