The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams and 104 matches, meaning more fixtures, odds, promotions, and match day traffic.
Darren Small, Managing Director of Managed Trading Services at Sportradar, told AFP that global betting revenue for the upcoming World Cup could exceed US$50 billion.
A Bigger Tournament, a Wider Audience
Brazil adds another twist to that global forecast. It has a regulated fixed-odds betting market, and this World Cup will be the first test of the new system at a mass sporting event.
During a World Cup, even those who don’t frequently follow club football still watch the national team. Some join betting pools at work. Others place a small bet because friends are doing the same.
Brazilian Surveys Show Extra Spending Plans
A Creditas and Opinion Box survey found that 56% of Brazilians did not rule out betting during the tournament. Among people aged 18 to 24, 70% said they intended to join bets or betting pools.
The same survey also showed wider spending plans around the tournament. 74% of respondents reported they expect to spend money during the World Cup, while 80% may spend without prior planning. Among people who see betting as a way to supplement income, 31% said they would use possible winnings to cover expenses, and 15% said they would use them to pay off debts.
It does not mean every World Cup bettor is at risk. But it does show why wording will be important. If the World Cup is framed too close to income or relief, that could become a problem for a market struggling to win public trust.
Match Days Will Expose Weak Spots
Brazil’s group-stage matches will reveal how ready licensed sites are for a sudden influx of traffic. A simple sign-up process, fast payments, and clear explanations to new sign-ups will prove very important.
Payment delays may be particularly damaging. A failed deposit before kick-off could push users toward another platform.
Safer gambling tools also get a public test. Age checks, spending limits, self-exclusions, and bonus terms need to be visible enough that the new users do not get caught up in the emotions of the tournament.
Bottom Line
Brazil’s licensed betting market has a chance to show that regulation can hold up during a national football rush. If peak-match traffic brings confusing terms, weak checks, or aggressive advertising, the case for tighter controls will be easy to make.
