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Author:
Isaac Payne
| Last Updated:
October 2025
World Cup betting turns every match into a sweat, from group-stage openers to the final whistle in July.
We built this guide to help you read the markets and spot value during the tournament.
You’ll find what’s new for 2026, how we grade sportsbooks for World Cup action, popular bet types, and sharp tips you can use right away.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The opening match is set for Mexico City, and the final is scheduled for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. It will be the first men’s World Cup hosted by three nations.
This World Cup expands from 32 to 48 teams, which changes how you bet the group stage and futures. The format features 12 groups of four, followed by a 32-team knockout bracket, creating 104 total matches and more live opportunities.
Slot allocations also shifted across confederations, which means more debutants and wider futures boards.
Best Sportsbooks for Betting on the World CupWe’ve handpicked the top five sportsbooks for World Cup betting. These trusted sites offer sharper odds, more betting options, larger bonuses, and faster payouts than their rivals.
Bovada is the best online sportsbook for betting on the World Cup. This established site offers more than 100 markets on every group stage game. You can bet on game props, player props, regular handicaps, Asian handicaps, correct scores, and much more.
There’s also a “request a bet” option. If you’d like to place a bet that isn’t listed on the site, just message Bovada on X (Twitter) using #whatsyawager and the team will price it up.
You’ll find even more betting options on World Cup games during the knockout stage. There are loads of futures markets too.
Bovada is a feature-rich sportsbook, so you’ll benefit from pre-game stats, parlay builders, and so on. The site also offers large bonuses, fast payouts, a smooth user interface, and 24/7 support.
SportsBetting.ag is our top choice for beginners to the wonderful world of soccer betting. The sign-up process is quick and easy, and there are loads of convenient deposit options. You can use credit cards, debit cards, P2P transfers, and a long list of cryptocurrencies.
The site is clean, uncluttered, and easy to navigate. You should have no trouble finding World Cup games and placing bets. If you need help, the customer service agents are available 24/7 via live chat.
SportsBetting.ag offers a strong range of World Cup betting options. The odds are competitive, and the betting limits should suit all budgets. Payouts often take less than an hour if you use crypto, and the site supports various fiat-based withdrawal options too.
If you’re looking for World Cup bonuses and promos, look no further than BetOnline. This popular sportsbook offers a strong sign-up bonus, which has a simple 1x rollover requirement. You’ll also find daily odds boosts on World Cup games during the tournament.
Additional promos include money back specials, parlay boosts, and risk-free bets. You can enter free-to-play contests too. Just make predictions about upcoming games, and you’ll win prizes if your picks are correct.
BetOnline also runs a comprehensive VIP program. The site is perfect for high rollers, as you can deposit and withdraw up to $500,000. The re-bet feature allows you to place very large wagers too. Casual bettors will also benefit from low limits and fast payouts at BetOnline.
BetUS offers an impressive range of World Cup futures betting options. You can bet on the tournament winner, the top scorer, the outcome of each group, and much more. BetUS often provides market leading futures betting odds too.
You’ll find lots of interesting futures markets on specific teams. For example, you can bet on how deep a team will go into the tournament. The site doesn’t just cover the USMNT. You’ll also find a wealth of futures markets on the top European, South America, African, and Asian teams.
BetUS also has a reputation for offering larger bonuses than rival World Cup sportsbooks. The rollover requirements are often 10x or more, but these promos are perfect for high-volume World Cup bettors.
BetNow is perfect if you want to place World Cup bets as quickly and easily as possible. The user interface is very simple, and it only takes a few seconds to navigate to the World Cup betting section.
You can then choose a game and browse the betting options. BetNow doesn’t offer many props, so it’s best for bettors that stick to moneylines, handicaps, and totals. The betting options are laid out in a user-friendly format. When you’ve made your pick, you can place your bet with a couple of clicks.
BetNow also tends to offer sharper moneyline odds than rivals. The site offers large bonuses and secure payouts, so it’s one of the best World Cup sportsbooks.
Let’s take a look at how the top-rated World Cup sportsbooks stack up in the most important areas.
| Sportsbook | WC Betting Options | Min/Max Deposit | Sports Welcome Bonus | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada | Moneyline, handicaps, totals, props, parlays, same game parlays, correct scores, draw no bet, halves, futures, request a bet option | $5 to $10,000 | 75% up to $750 | 5x |
| SportsBetting.ag | Moneyline, handicaps, totals, props, parlays, same game parlays, futures | $10 to $500,000 | 50% up to $250 | 1x |
| BetOnline | Moneyline, handicaps, totals, props, parlays, same game parlays, futures | $10 to $500,000 | 50% up to $250 | 1x |
| BetUS | Moneyline, handicaps, totals, props, parlays, futures | $10 to $50,000 | 100% up to $2,000 | 14x |
| BetNow | Moneyline, handicaps, totals | $10 to $100,000 | 100% up to $2,500 | 10x |
All sportsbooks we feature go through the same ranking process, but we tailored our reviews to World Cup markets for these sportsbooks. We focused on features that matter during a short, high-volume tournament window.
We want deep futures menus months in advance, plus live markets for cards, corners, next goal, and to-qualify during extra time. Books that price knockout shootout outcomes and offer quick in-play acceptance get higher marks.
World Cup days start early and run late, so fast deposits and same-day or next-day payouts are key. We prioritize books that support cards, eWallets, and crypto with low fees and reasonable limits.
The best sites post team and player props that fit international play, like goals plus assists, shots on target, and to advance on penalties. Group-stage specials such as exact points or to finish top two are a plus.
Mobile apps need smooth bet builders, quick edits, and stable live streams or trackers. We test load times during peak windows to see if the app holds up when lines are moving.
The World Cup offers more than just picking a winner. These are the sports betting staples you’ll see on every board.
You pick home, draw, or away in 90 minutes plus stoppage. Knockout games can go to extra time, so 1X2 only covers regulation.
You back a side and get a push if it ends level after 90. It’s popular in tight group games where a draw is common.
Spreads remove or reduce the draw and let you split stakes across lines like +0.25 or +0.75. It’s useful when a favorite is strong but you want protection.
Bet on combined goals in regulation. Books adjust quickly, so look for mismatches between projected tempo and the posted number.
You’re betting on whether each side finds the net. It pairs well with totals when a match features aggressive fullbacks or shaky center backs.
Common options include World Cup winner, to reach the final, group winners, and golden boot. Prices move fast during qualifying and after injuries, so timing matters.
Tips for World Cup Betting SuccessThe World Cup comes around only once every four years, so it’s important you put on your game face. Here are some betting tips to help you take your strategy to the next level:
Teams can fly thousands of miles between group matches, which affects legs late in games. Short rest plus long hops is a red flag for high-press teams.
Mexico City’s elevation and summer temps in parts of the U.S. can slow pace and favor deeper benches. That can tilt you toward unders or late subs to score.
With 12 groups of four and best third-place teams advancing, some Matchday 3 spots favor risk-averse tactics. That can shift value toward draw or low totals.
International goals often come from corners and free kicks. If a side dominates aerial duels, look at BTTS, anytime scorer on tall center backs, or over on corners.
Penalty takers, primary free-kick shooters, and target men spike in prop value. Confirm roles from recent lineups before firing.
A red card, early goal, or heavy rain can flip expected pace. Live unders after a second-half lead or “next goal: no” can be smart in cagey knockouts.
How often is the World Cup?
Anonymous, October 28, 2025
Answer
Taylor Smith, October 29, 2025
Every four years for the men’s tournament, with 2026 following 2022.
What’s the best way to bet on the World Cup?
Anonymous, October 28, 2025
Answer
Isaac Payne, October 29, 2025
Build a futures position early on one or two teams, then use match-to-match and live markets to hedge or add exposure when prices drift.
Does the World Cup location impact betting odds?
Anonymous, October 28, 2025
Answer
Taylor Smith, October 29, 2025
Yes, hosts get a measurable home boost tied to travel, climate, and familiarity, which books price into moneylines and futures. Keep that in mind when modeling group outcomes.
Who are the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup?
Anonymous, October 28, 2025
Answer
Taylor Smith, October 29, 2025
As of October 2025, Spain, France, and England sit near the top, followed by Brazil and Argentina, with Germany just behind at longer prices. Check your book’s board, but a live example shows Spain around +450, France and England near +650, Brazil near +750, and Argentina around +850.
World Cup betting is more than just picking an overall champion. It’s about following teams through the knockout stages, betting on underdogs in the qualifiers, and finding unique props on players, locations, and more.
The best World Cup betting sites help you squeeze more value from futures, props, and live odds during the tournament, all while providing a seamless betting experience.
Bovada, BetOnline, and BetUS all offer exceptional odds on 2026 World Cup games, and have a host of bets for any type of soccer fan.
Isaac E. Payne is an experienced technical blogger, creative writer, and lead content manager at GamblingNerd.com. As a published author, he enjoys finding interesting and exciting ways to cover any topic. In his four years on the team, he has covered online gambling and sports betting and excelled at reviewing casino sites. In his free time, he enjoys playing blackjack and reading science fiction.