World Cup 2026: A Betting Revolution as 19% of Fans Plan to Wager for the First Time

The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has begun, and North America is bracing for a seismic shift in sports betting culture. According to a groundbreaking study by global payments giant Paysafe, nearly two-thirds of consumers across key markets are gearing up to place bets online or via mobile apps during the tournament, with a staggering 19% admitting this will be their first foray into sports wagering.

This isn’t just another World Cup—it’s a cultural and technological milestone. For the first time since 1994, the world’s most-watched sporting event returns to U.S. soil, this time joined by Canada and Mexico as co-hosts. But the landscape has dramatically changed since the last American-hosted tournament. Legal sports betting, once a niche activity confined to Las Vegas, has exploded across dozens of U.S. states and gained traction throughout North America, creating fertile ground for what promises to be the most bet-on World Cup in history.

Paysafe’s comprehensive research, which surveyed 3,850 respondents of legal gambling age across twelve countries including the UK, US, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, and several European nations, reveals a tournament poised to break betting records. The numbers are eye-opening: 60% of consumers plan to engage in online or app-based betting during the World Cup, with 41% being seasoned bettors and 19% venturing into this space for the very first time.

What’s driving this unprecedented surge? The convenience of digital platforms cannot be overstated. Mobile betting apps have transformed sports wagering from a trip to a physical sportsbook into a tap-and-swipe experience that fits in your pocket. Combine this technological revolution with the World Cup’s unique ability to captivate even casual sports fans, and you have a perfect storm for betting engagement.

The timing of bets reveals fascinating behavioral patterns. A remarkable 64% of bettors plan to place wagers on the day of the game or even during live matches, highlighting the growing popularity of in-play betting. This real-time engagement transforms passive viewing into an interactive experience, with every pass, shot, and referee decision potentially affecting the outcome of a wager.

Perhaps most surprisingly, the World Cup’s gravitational pull extends far beyond dedicated soccer fans. The study found that 49% of consumers who don’t regularly follow soccer still plan to place bets during the tournament. This crossover appeal speaks to the World Cup’s unique status as a global cultural phenomenon that transcends typical sports fandom boundaries.

The United States, as host nation, shows particularly strong betting intentions. While 37% of all respondents plan to bet more than usual during the tournament, this figure jumps to 51% among American participants. This enthusiasm likely reflects both the convenience of local hosting and the expanded legal framework that has made sports betting more accessible than ever before.

Social dynamics play a crucial role in betting behavior. The research indicates that 60% of respondents would participate in group betting if a pool or betting pot were organized by friends or coworkers. This social aspect transforms betting from an individual activity into a communal experience, creating shared moments of excitement and friendly competition that enhance the overall World Cup experience.

The tournament’s geographic spread across North America creates a unique betting ecosystem. Matches will be held in sixteen cities spanning three countries: Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey, Houston, Dallas, Kansas City, Atlanta, Miami, Toronto, Boston, Philadelphia, and the grand finale in New York New Jersey. This continental celebration ensures that millions of fans will have local access to World Cup matches, potentially driving even higher engagement with betting platforms.

The betting revolution extends beyond traditional sports wagering. The study reveals that 58% of respondents plan to play soccer-themed video games during the tournament, while 56% expect to spend more on downloadable content, particularly in the United States and United Kingdom. This convergence of sports betting, gaming, and digital content consumption represents a new frontier in how fans engage with major sporting events.

Frequency of betting is also expected to increase significantly. Among those planning to bet, 92% anticipate wagering either more than usual or at their typical activity level during the World Cup. This sustained engagement throughout the month-long tournament creates ongoing opportunities for betting platforms and suggests that the World Cup could serve as a gateway to longer-term betting habits for many first-time participants.

The technological infrastructure supporting this betting boom cannot be overlooked. Modern betting platforms offer unprecedented convenience, security, and variety of betting options. From traditional match outcome bets to complex prop bets covering everything from the number of corner kicks to individual player performances, the options are limitless. Mobile apps provide real-time odds updates, live streaming integration, and instant payout capabilities that make betting more accessible and engaging than ever before.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the convergence of technological advancement, legal accessibility, and cultural enthusiasm creates a perfect environment for sports betting growth. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or someone considering your first wager, the tournament promises to deliver unprecedented excitement both on and off the field. The beautiful game is about to get even more interesting, with billions of dollars in wagers potentially changing hands across North America and beyond.

This World Cup isn’t just about crowning a champion—it’s about redefining how millions of fans interact with the sport they love, one bet at a time.

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