As the 2026 World Cup gains momentum, a significant expansion of the recreational betting pool is expected during the tournament. The big event serves as the ultimate “on-ramp” for a new generation of sports bettors.
According to the latest "All the Ways Players Pay: World Cup 2026" report from Paysafe, approximately 19% of fans globally plan to place their first online bet, as 48 teams will be competing on the soil of the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Why Are 1 In 5 Fans Choosing The 2026 World Cup For Their Betting Debut?
It seems the hosting countries lead in this trend. In the United States, 29% of fans are expected to enter the market for the first time, while Mexico is expected to see a 26% surge in new players. For these “debutants”, the complexity of traditional odds and spreads is less important than the reliability of the platform itself.
Data show that financial brand trust (88%) and fast payouts (84%) are the key factors for these players when choosing a bookmaker. It seems the old guard of “bonus hunters” veterans is a thing of the past.
New players prioritize a frictionless betting experience, especially when finances are involved. Crucially, 88% of respondents said they would consider switching bookmakers after a poor payment experience, with this figure climbing to 93% in the US and Ecuador.
Is Live Betting Making A Shift?
In the same report, 60% of respondents globally intend to place bets online or via mobile apps during the tournament. 64% of bettors plan to wager specifically on match day or during live games, and more than a third (37%) said they expect to bet more than usual during the 2026 World Cup. This number is rising to 51% in the US.
The report also highlights the importance of local payment methods, especially in Latin America. Card deposits are dominant, but in Brazil, Pix (48%) and in Peru, PagoEfectivo (36%) are the preferred methods.
How Does The New Format Change Betting Approach?
This summer’s World Cup introduces a new format following FIFA's expansion of the tournament. A move to a 48-team, 104-match competition represents a 47% increase over the 2022 Qatar World Cup. The event becomes a marathon of data and a betting marathon that 64% of fans who prefer match-day action will love.
The new format means a bigger number of group stage matches, “David vs Goliath” encounters, and a big opportunity for more player-prop and other special markets. Finally, as micro-betting has become a new trend in the betting industry, there’s an increased demand for speed, choice, localization and reliability.
What Are The Future Trends For Betting Engagement?
Perhaps all the above explain the shift to simpler user interfaces by operators, who are required to implement one-click deposit and withdrawal systems and ensure a smooth onboarding experience for newcomers.
As the Paysafe report suggests, 58% of respondents will not only focus on World Cup matches but also play other video games while games are underway. Another 56% is expected to spend more on in-game purchases, rising to 68% among US respondents.
This can make the “second-screen" effect become the standard, where betting apps integrated with live highlights and AI-driven personalized insights keep fans engaged even during matches.
