The 2026 World Cup generated unprecedented betting handle in the United States, rivaling major prolonged sporting events. Sportsbooks reported record figures for a soccer tournament, with some comparing the event's betting volume to that of 10 Super Bowls. The tournament significantly outperformed previous World Cups, with DraftKings reporting a 650% increase in bets and BetMGM seeing a 211% rise compared to 2022.

Favorable time zones, an expanded match schedule, and the tournament's North American presence contributed to the surge. The final match, where Spain defeated Argentina, was the most heavily bet soccer game in the histories of BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, and DraftKings. It surpassed nearly all major sporting event finals in the past year in terms of betting activity.

Player and team performance also drove significant betting interest. Argentina and its star player, Lionel Messi, were particularly popular for prop and futures bets. Despite its elimination, the U.S. Men's National Team was a major draw for bettors, representing the largest liability for many American sportsbooks. Looking ahead, Spain is favored to win the 2030 World Cup, which it will co-host.