FIFA World Cup 2026 Sets New Records in US Betting

The FIFA World Cup 2026 concluded with Spain's victory over Argentina, wrapping up an event that captured the attention of sports fans across the United States and beyond. The tournament’s success wasn’t just on the field; it was also reflected in the unprecedented betting activity surrounding it.

Data from Hard Rock Bet reveals that the wagering during this World Cup eclipsed the Super Bowl by a factor of ten. Neil Walsh, SVP of Sportsbook at Hard Rock Bet, declared it the largest betting event in American history. "Once Sunday’s final is played, this World Cup will go down as the biggest betting event in American history – we’re talking the equivalent of ten Super Bowls," Walsh said. "A sport we were once told Americans would not embrace turned into one for the history books. The whole country wanted in. Game on!"

To put this into perspective, the American Gaming Association reports that the Super Bowl LX drew approximately $1.76 billion in wagers. Multiplying that figure by ten gives a glimpse of the staggering amount processed by sportsbooks during the World Cup’s five-week span.

Betting Trends and Surprises

Most bettors expected Argentina to win the final; over 70% of wagers favored them. Yet Spain’s triumph rewarded those who backed the European side. One notable wager was a $100,000 bet on Spain at +550 odds, potentially yielding returns near $650,000.

This highlights how sports betting has evolved into a significant aspect of fan engagement. The World Cup became more than a spectacle—it turned into a massive opportunity for many to profit.

US Fans Lead Betting Activity

Interestingly, American bettors showed strong enthusiasm for their own team. The US Men’s National Team featured in five of the top 20 most-wagered matches, despite playing fewer games than countries like England, France, Spain, or Argentina.

Moreover, US player Folarin Balogun attracted more individual bets than global stars such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. This suggests a growing domestic interest in soccer and its athletes.

Looking ahead, it remains to be seen if these trends hold for the 2030 World Cup in Europe. Fans and sportsbooks alike seem eager to combine the excitement of the matches with the thrill of betting.