According to Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, the projected online sports betting handle for the World Cup in 2026 ranges from $2.32 billion to $4.33 billion. EKG’s base case is $2.82 billion, roughly three times the estimated $900 million to $1 billion wagered through legal U.S. sportsbooks during the 2022 World Cup.
U.S. Forecast Depends on the Team Run
This wide span is tied largely to how far the U.S. men’s national team goes in the tournament. If the U.S. team exits early, betting volume would likely stay closer to the conservative end of the forecast. A deeper run could bring more casual bettors, stronger media attention, and larger operator campaigns.
The World Cup also has a different pull from a regular betting event. National-team interest, U.S.-friendly time zones, and heavy media coverage can bring in customers who do not usually bet on soccer.
Bigger Format Changes the Market Math
The first match kicks off in Mexico City on June 11, while the final match will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. This tournament has grown from having 32 participating countries to 48 countries and from having 64 matches to 104 matches.
This extended schedule gives sportsbooks more time to build handle. It also creates more markets across group-stage games, knockout rounds, player props, futures, and live betting.
The U.S. legal sports betting market is larger than it was during the 2022 World Cup. That gives operators a larger regulated audience during a tournament hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
DraftKings and FanDuel Lead the Projection
EKG is expecting DraftKings and FanDuel to account for about 70% of U.S. online handle for the World Cup between both operators. The forecast places DraftKings at $1.02 billion while FanDuel is estimated to generate $945 million.
Fanatics and Hard Rock are also expected to take a visible share. EKG forecasts that they will account for 14% combined for the tournament.
The split shows that the World Cup may lift the wider sector, but the biggest gains are still likely to sit with brands that already have broad reach and large customer databases.
Global Estimate Adds Pressure
H2 Gambling Capital also considers the 2026 World Cup within a broader global context. According to H2, legal sportsbook handle will reach $60 billion, which is a 71% increase compared to the figure estimated by H2 in 2022.
For all three hosting countries combined, $5.7 billion in wagers are expected. This means that the United States would generate $2.9 billion, followed by Mexico ($2.5 billion), and Canada ($300 million).
What to Watch Next
The 2026 World Cup is a market-scale test of product depth, onboarding capacity, retention, and live trading. If handle lands near the upper end of the forecast, operators will treat the tournament as proof that soccer can move U.S. betting volumes under the right conditions.
The harder question comes after July 19: whether new and casual users stay active once the World Cup leaves the schedule.
