Published on: May 31, 2026, 08:21h.

Updated on: May 31, 2026, 08:21h.

• Eilers & Krejcik Gaming anticipates a soccer betting handle ranging from $2.32-$4.33 billion, particularly if the U.S. National Team makes it to the Round of 16.
• H2 Gambling Capital report predicts unprecedented betting volumes for the 2026 World Cup.
• According to a study by FanDuel Canada and Angus Reid, 43% of Canadian soccer enthusiasts intend to cheer for multiple nations.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is projected to produce a staggering $2.32-$4.33 billion in online sports betting through regulated U.S. sportsbooks, showcasing a remarkable 182% increase when compared to the 2022 tournament figures, as reported by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG).

Kickoff Date: June 11

The 2022 World Cup took place in Qatar, and the potential for a successful tournament by the U.S. Men’s National Team significantly influences the varying betting forecasts this year, according to the EKG report.

The firm estimated that between $900 million to $1 billion was wagered through U.S. legal sportsbooks on the last World Cup.

The tournament will commence in Mexico City on June 11 at the historic Estadio Azteca, featuring the Mexican National Team against South Africa, and conclude with the final match at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19.

Increased Participation: More Teams and Matches

Factors contributing to the anticipated rise in betting volume include the participation of more teams and matches, the event being hosted on home soil, and the availability of more betting platforms. The tournament will showcase 48 teams (expanded from 32) engaging in 104 matches (up from 64) across 16 cities in Mexico, the U.S., and Canada. Of these, 78 World Cup matches will take place in the U.S.

FIFA ranks Mexico at No. 15 globally, the U.S. at No. 16, and Canada at No. 30.

The study also forecasts a combined market share of 70% for DraftKings and FanDuel, expected to generate $1.02 billion and $945 million, respectively. Alongside these, Fanatics and Hard Rock are projected to achieve a combined 14% share.

Insights from FanDuel

Another report from H2 Gambling Capital provides additional insights into the expected substantial betting volumes for the World Cup. They estimate that $60 billion will be wagered on the tournament through regulated sportsbooks, representing a 71% increase over their projections for the 2022 event.

Among these, H2 predicts $5.7 billion will be wagered across the three host countries, with Mexico leading in soccer betting, followed by Canada and the U.S. Given its market potential, the U.S. is expected to achieve $2.9 billion in legal sportsbook handle, compared to $2.5 billion for Mexico and $0.3 billion for Canada.

A study by FanDuel Canada, conducted in collaboration with Angus Reid, found that 43% of Canadian soccer fans plan to support multiple teams during the tournament.

Additional highlights from the nationwide Canadian survey indicate that secondary team support largely stems from heritage (37%) and family ties (21%). The top teams Canadians are likely to support alongside Canada include England (39%), Germany (19%), and Brazil (18%).