Is the World Cup the Ultimate Betting Experience?

To say the World Cup is a major sporting event would be an understatement. More than 5 billion people (or roughly more than half the global population) watched the competition in 2022, surpassing the 3.5 billion record set in 2018, while the final was watched by a staggering 1.42 billion.

In terms of global betting revenue, many sources reported that approximately 150+ billion dollars were wagered, averaging 2.1 billion dollars per match and 7.2 billion dollars for the final.

This year, things will be a little different as the 2022 FIFA World Cup will be held in 3 host nations, Canada, Mexico, and the USA, from June 11 to July 19, making it the first time the event will be held in three different host nations.

As the competition is fast approaching, bookies now face several unique challenges in which markets and offers to attract new bettors take advantage of incredibly high traffic periods and maximize player acquisition, engagement, and retention at all stages of the competition. Bettors, on the other hand, will be looking out for these offers, making the World Cup one of the biggest, if not the biggest, tournaments to bet on.

How Does Sports Betting Increase When a World Cup is Coming Up?

There's no doubt that football is the sport with the most fans worldwide, even in countries where it isn't the most popular. This may be due to the overwhelming passion for the sport. Other factors include its popular style of play and the ease with which its rules can be understood. It's a fast-paced and dynamic sport that generates excitement in both players and spectators.

The nature of the sport ensures its presence in 365 days a year through football leagues worldwide, with matches broadcast live or streamed on various internet platforms. And when the highly anticipated World Cup arrives every four years, this reach multiplies exponentially.

The World Cup and Sports Betting

Since 1930, no fewer than 23 World Cups have been held, making it the most important international football event. This is largely due to the enormous reach achieved thanks to technological advances in transport and communication.

An event with which sports betting has a very close relationship. And not only because football is one of the most popular sports in the world, but also because bookmakers are increasingly investing in sponsoring teams in different countries. But it's also related to the fact that opening an account on various betting platforms to bet on soccer is quite simple.

Therefore, in years when the World Cup is held, sports betting increases considerably. And not only during the tournament itself, but also in the months leading up to it. According to statistics, in the weeks prior, millions of new users register to bet on their favorite teams and add even more excitement to the matches they are about to watch.

This situation is indeed more noticeable in football due to the sport's immense popularity, but it also occurs in other sports with their national leagues and World Cups. Several months in advance, people begin betting on the favorites in all stages of the championship and on who will compete in the final.

Who are the Favorites to Win the World Cup in 2026?

Based on the 2026 World Cup predictions, Brazil, France, Argentina, England, and Spain are the main favorites to lift the trophy in the US, Mexico, and Canada. Obviously, all the favorites should have no difficulty advancing from the group stage.

France won the last World Cup in 2018, defeating Croatia 4-2 in the final, with England finishing as runners-up. Brazil, meanwhile, was beaten by Belgium in the quarterfinals, while Argentina won the 2022 World Cup, a glorious redemption for Lionel Messi and Argentina.

This year, France would have the best chance of winning, having lost the 2022 final. However, it will depend heavily on the team they manage to field to reach this stage of the tournament.