Prediction markets were among the biggest winners of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kalshi and Polymarket saw record trading volumes and attracted millions of new users as global World Cup betting passed an estimated $50 billion. The tournament marked a major shift, with blockchain-based prediction markets competing directly with traditional sportsbooks on a large scale for the first time.
Kalshi reported a total notional trading volume of $31 billion in June, with sports contracts making up about 85% of the activity. World Cup-related contracts alone brought in over $22 billion in trading, far surpassing early industry expectations.
According to reporting from CNBC, prediction markets had their biggest month on record in June — and the FIFA World Cup was the catalyst.
Kalshi logged more than $31 billion in notional trading volume, a 70% jump from May. Polymarket hit a new monthly record at $10.8 billion,… pic.twitter.com/RbHLgospJR
— Entrepreneur (@Entrepreneur) July 8, 2026
Polymarket also set records, with its international platform handling $10.8 billion in monthly trading volume and its regulated U.S. platform processing another $3.5 billion. Newcomer Rothera, backed by Robinhood and Susquehanna International Group, reached $2 billion in trading volume in its first month.
Prediction markets let users trade contracts on many types of events, such as elections, economic data, entertainment, and sports, unlike traditional sportsbooks. Their rising popularity has attracted people beyond regular sports bettors.
App usage data showed that prediction market platforms kept gaining users during the World Cup. In contrast, established sportsbook apps like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars saw less activity after the early stages of the tournament.
Kalshi and Polymarket made up almost 79% of betting app installations among major platforms during the tournament. Female participation also rose, with Kalshi saying women made up about one-third of its users by the end of June.
Institutional investors are entering the sector as well. Trading firm DRW has set up a dedicated prediction market desk focused on arbitrage opportunities across Kalshi and Polymarket, showing growing confidence in the liquidity and pricing efficiency of these markets.
The World Cup showed that prediction markets are moving from niche financial products to mainstream platforms that can compete directly with traditional sportsbooks. Their growing user base, more institutional involvement, and increasing regulatory acceptance suggest they could play a bigger role in global event-based trading in the future.
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