U.S. Soccer Betting Sees Significant Handle Increase After 2026 World Cup

BetMGM reported a 34.5% increase in club soccer handle during the two months following the 2026 World Cup.

Data from major U.S. sportsbooks shows a significant rise in soccer wagering following the 2026 World Cup held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In Colorado, the tournament generated $60.2 million in betting revenue, marking a near 250% increase over the $17.5 million recorded during the 2022 edition. BetMGM reported that World Cup handle nearly kept pace with Major League Baseball’s summer schedule, despite MLB having five times as many games in that period. Hard Rock Bet noted the tournament produced three times the handle of the men’s NCAA tournament.

Following the tournament's conclusion, BetMGM saw a 34.5% year-over-year increase in club soccer handle and a 24.5% rise in total bets. Hard Rock Bet reported a 43% increase in Premier League wagering and a 21% rise in Champions League action. Star players Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane attracted double the number of bets in European competition compared to the previous year. Caesars lead trader Mark Bickerdike noted that MLS has moved from the fourth-most bet soccer league to the second-most bet since August 1.

Major League Soccer betting activity increased between mid-July and the end of October 2026, with a 38.8% rise in money and a 30.4% increase in tickets. Inter Miami saw nearly 40% more bets year-over-year at Hard Rock Bet. Following MLS Decision Day, Nashville SC is the current favorite for the MLS Cup at +400, followed by Thomas Müller’s Vancouver Whitecaps and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami at +450.