World Cup’s 48-Team Format to Drive $50B+ Betting Boom, Boosting Flutter Entertainment
FLUT•Macquarie projects the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s expanded 48-team, 100+ match format will boost global betting volumes from $35 billion in 2022 to over $50 billion. Flutter Entertainment stands to gain a meaningful earnings tailwind as U.S. regulated betting access grows from 40% to 65% of the population.
1. Betting Volume Projections
The 2026 tournament could see global wagering turnover exceed $50 billion, up from $35 billion in 2022, driven by roughly 60% more matches and rising popularity of same-game parlays and proposition bets.
2. World Cup Expansion
The competition will feature 48 national teams and over 100 matches across six weeks, up from 32 teams and fewer than 70 matches in 2022, creating more betting opportunities.
3. U.S. Market Growth
Legal sports betting is projected to reach 65% of the U.S. population by 2026, up from 40% during the last World Cup, which should drive higher domestic wagering volumes.
4. Flutter’s Exposure
Flutter Entertainment’s global sports betting operations and strong presence in newly regulated U.S. markets position it to capture significant earnings growth from the expanded World Cup.
