World Cup betting in U.S. equivalent of ’10 Super Bowls’

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has set a new benchmark for sports betting in the United States, surpassing records previously held in major sporting events. Sportsbooks across the nation have reported unprecedented betting activity that rivals historically significant occasions.

Record-Breaking Numbers

According to Caesars Sportsbook, the 2026 World Cup achieved 30% more bets compared to the combined men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournaments. This year’s event not only matched but exceeded the betting handle of March Madness, marking it as a significant moment in sports betting history.

DraftKings reported an astounding 650% increase in bets and BetMGM saw a 211% rise compared to the 2022 World Cup. The growth in interest is attributed to favorable time zones, an increase in matches, and the excitement of hosting the tournament in North America.

A Landmark Event

Neil Walsh, SVP of sportsbook at Hard Rock Bet, stated, “This World Cup will go down as the biggest betting event in American history — we’re talking the equivalent of ten Super Bowls.” This sentiment reflects a broader acceptance and enthusiasm for soccer in the U.S., a sport previously overlooked by many American fans.

The final match, in which Spain triumphed over Argentina 1-0, became the most-bet soccer match in the histories of BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings. This final game even outperformed notable matches from other major events, solidifying its place in sports betting records.

DraftKings recorded 2 million bets specifically for the final, while Caesars noted a handle that was nearly 65% more than any previous record. This surge highlights the tremendous interest in both the match and the tournament overall.

Fan Engagement and Betting Trends

Argentina and its superstar Lionel Messi drew significant attention in the betting marketplace, with Messi ranking as the most-bet player for props and futures. With 7.6 million location checks for Argentina’s late-night match with Algeria, it was clear that soccer captured the American audience’s imagination this year.

In the futures market, reigning champion Spain is viewed as the favorite for the 2030 World Cup, with +450 odds at DraftKings. Other teams like France and England follow closely, while the U.S. and Mexico enter with longer odds of 80-1.