World Cup Could Bring Billions in Volume to Prediction Markets in 'Watershed Moment': Bernstein
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to drive a major surge in sports betting and prediction markets. With 104 matches in the expanded 48-team format, Bernstein projects more than $3 billion in incremental betting handle and up to $10 billion in broader consumer volume uplift. Analysts say the tournament could be a “watershed moment” for prediction markets, accelerating growth for platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket and expanding customer acquisition across the market. Momentum is already visible: DraftKings reported rising consumer volume and traded volume in May. Robinhood is using the event to launch its CFTC-licensed prediction market exchange, Rothera, and Coinbase is offering World Cup contracts through a Kalshi partnership after crossing $100 million in annualized prediction market revenue.
