The 2026 FIFA World Cup produced record US sports betting activity across 104 matches. Operators reported historic handle, heavy live betting and a profitable Spain Argentina final.
Good to Know
Spain beat Argentina 1 to 0 in overtime at MetLife Stadium on July 19. Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute after regulation ended scoreless.
Argentina attracted more money before and during the match at Caesars Sportsbook. Bettors also backed Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal to score.
“A 0-0 draw through regulation time meant it was a good day for the book,” Caesars Sportsbook Head of Soccer Mark Bickerdike said. “There were also plenty of tickets written on Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal to score, resulting in positive outcomes across our straight-bet markets and same-game parlay product.”
Caesars recorded its largest soccer betting event, with handle nearly 65% above its previous record. Messi Anytime Goalscorer also became its most popular soccer same game parlay selection.
SuperBook reported a similar result.
“That was about our best-case scenario, factoring in the game result, props, futures, etc.,” SuperBook Vice President John Murray said. “It was a very good finish to the tournament for us.”
Argentina also carried more futures liability than Spain, helping Circa Sports and other operators.
“The futures were good. A great end to a very profitable World Cup,” Circa Sports Director of Operations Jeff Benson said.
BetMGM said the final attracted more tickets and handle than any soccer match in company history. Spain entered the tournament as its most-backed champion, giving customers a better futures result.
The match also drew more bets than every 2025 World Series game, every 2026 NBA Finals game, every Stanley Cup Final game and every March Madness matchup. Only the Indiana Miami college football championship attracted more bets among the listed events.
Hard Rock Bet Senior Vice President of Sportsbook Neil Walsh said tournament volume had already reached historic levels before the final.
“We’re talking the equivalent of 10 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.”
DraftKings also reported handle above forecasts during the tournament.
“The soccer tournament has been something special, I tell you,” DraftKings Director of Race and Sports Operations Johnny Avello said. “The handle has been way over expectations. I think it’s going to be bigger than March Madness, when all is said and done.”
The expanded 48 team format added matches and live betting windows. Kickoff times also suited viewers across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“A home-nation World Cup brought high expectations for engagement and interest,” Bickerdike said. “Thankfully, the tournament exceeded even our most optimistic projections, and we saw strong participation across futures, event markets, and our same game parlay product.”