Covers tracks the largest wagers on the World Cup prior to and throughout the 2026 event.
The world's biggest tournament kicked off Thursday, and analysts are projecting more than $2.8 billion will be bet on the 2026 World Cup in the U.S. and $60 billion globally.
With an expanded field of 48 teams and 104 matches, there will be plenty of opportunities for bettors to stake their strongest positions.
Mexico hosted South Africa in the tournament opener Thursday, and festivities will conclude July 19 with the final in New York.
World Cup Biggest Bets
| Amount | To Win | Odds | Bet | Sportsbook | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $2 million | +800 | Brazil to win World Cup | Hard Rock Bet | June 11 |
| $4,114 | $1.645 million | +40,000 | South Korea to win World Cup | DraftKings | June 10 |
| $1,250 | $3.125 million | +250,000 | Haiti to win World Cup | DraftKings | June 9 |
| $1,500 | $99,000 | +6,600 | USA to win World Cup | BetMGM | June 9 |
| $1,000 | $2.5 million | +250,000 | Haiti to win World Cup | BetMGM | June 9 |
| $1,000 | $1 million | +100,000 | Iraq to win World Cup | BetMGM | June 9 |
Finally, a World Cup futures bet with some legs. A bettor at Hard Rock Bet has wagered $250,000 on Brazil winning the World Cup, according to Ben Fawkes of Yahoo Sports. At +800 odds, that bettor stands to win $2 million if the Selecao pull it off.
Brazil enters the tournament tied with Argentina for the fifth-shortest odds at Hard Rock Bet to lift the trophy, trailing only Spain (+450), France (+500), England (+650), and Portugal (+700).
Brazil is chasing its sixth World Cup title and first since 2002. Brazil won the tournament the last time it was held on American soil in 1994.
Led by the likes of Vinicius Jr. and Raphinha, Brazil will begin play Saturday against Morocco in New York. Group C also features Scotland and Haiti.
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June 10
The obscure bets continue. A day after sportsbooks shared they'd received bets on Haiti and Iraq to win the World Cup, a customer at DraftKings wagered $4,114 on South Korea to come out on top, according to Fawkes.
Such an occurrence carries +40,000 odds and an implied probability of 0.25%.
South Korea would have to escape a group that includes tournament co-host Mexico, Czechia, and South Africa.
The country has qualified for 11 consecutive World Cups and finished fourth in 2002. South Korea reached the Round of 16 in 2022.
June 9
Who would have thought? Two of the biggest bets on the World Cup to date, are on Haiti to win it all. Why? Your guess is as good as mine.
It will be Haiti's first trip to the World Cup since the island nation made its only other appearance in 1974.
Haiti is positioned in Group C with Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland. Les Grenadiers share the longest odds to win the tournament with Curacao and Jordan.
Where can I bet on the World Cup?
You can bet on World Cup odds at every online and casino sportsbook. Covers reviews and rates top World Cup betting sites, comparing odds, markets, and user experience. Some of the best World Cup betting sites have World Cup betting promos for first-time customers.
