US and China Led $20 Billion World Cup Prediction Market Boom, Chainalysis Says

The 2026 FIFA World Cup generated $20 billion in prediction market volume, with the US and China contributing the largest country-level flows, according to new Chainalysis research published Thursday. More than 400,000 wallets placed on-chain bets on the tournament.

World Cup markets accounted for roughly 63% of all prediction market activity during the event. World Cup Betting Volumes Peaked at the Final Chainalysis tracked World Cup betting from January 2026.

Markets were already producing nearly $50 million in daily volume months before kickoff. Daily activity jumped to around $250 million once the tournament opened on June 11. The final, in which Spain defeated Argentina, drove over $300 million in wagers.

Novelty markets also attracted heavy flows. A single market asked whether Cristiano Ronaldo would cry after his last campaign, generating $49 million. Bettors fared unusually well.