World Cup could generate over $4bn in US handle, EKG projects

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is on course to dwarf its predecessor as a US betting event, according to analysis from Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG).

The US-based boutique research firm projected a base case of $2.82bn in online sports betting handle – nearly three times its estimate for the 2022 tournament of $900m-$1bn.

The firm put the full forecast range at $2.32bn to $4.33bn, equivalent to 1.3%-2.4% of projected 2026 US online sports betting handle.

The wide range reflects what EKG described as the event’s “unusually asymmetric upside”, with the potential for a deep run by the US men’s national team seen as a key driver of the upper end.

The report said: “An early US exit would likely keep betting activity toward the lower end of our forecast range, while a deeper run would materially amplify media attention, operator marketing, and casual bettor engagement around the tournament.”

The base case assumes the US exits in either the round of 32 or round of 16, and sits below the midpoint of the range.

Eilers & Krejcik said the most meaningful upside is concentrated in lower-probability scenarios where the US exceeds expectations and makes a deep tournament run.

DraftKings and FanDuel tipped to dominate

On the operator landscape, EKG said: “We believe that DraftKings and FanDuel will contest the opportunity aggressively and modestly over-Index on handle share during the tournament.”

The firm projected a combined 70% share for the two, implying roughly $1.02bn for DraftKings and $945m for FanDuel.

Fanatics and Hard Rock were also highlighted as well-placed, with EKG projecting a combined 14% share – around $396m – between them.

The firm pointed to several structural advantages the 2026 edition holds over 2022, including an expanded 104-match slate, broader legalisation across US states, and the significance of a home-soil tournament.

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