FIFA World Cup 2026 betting & fan guide
Quick answer: The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first with 48 teams, hosted across the USA, Canada and Mexico (11 June – 19 July 2026), with 104 matches in...
Quick answer: The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first with 48 teams, hosted across the USA, Canada and Mexico (11 June – 19 July 2026), with 104 matches in 12 groups of four. This guide explains the format and the most popular ways fans bet on the tournament.
The new 48-team format
Twelve groups of four play a round robin; the top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams advance to a 32-team knockout round. That means more matches, more upsets and more betting markets than ever.
Popular World Cup markets
| Market | Notes |
|---|---|
| Outright winner | Bet on the tournament champion — odds shift each round. |
| Group winner / to qualify | Markets on each group’s top finishers. |
| Top goalscorer (Golden Boot) | The tournament’s leading scorer. |
| Match result & over/under | Standard markets on each of the 104 games. |
| Player props | Anytime goalscorer, assists, cards and more. |
Frequently asked questions
- When and where is the 2026 World Cup?
- From 11 June to 19 July 2026, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
- How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
- 48 teams — the largest ever — playing 104 matches in 12 groups of four.
- What is the most popular World Cup bet?
- The outright winner and match-result markets are the most popular, along with top-goalscorer bets.
- How do I bet on the World Cup responsibly?
- Set a tournament budget in advance, bet only what you can afford to lose, and take breaks. 18+ only.
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Our editorial team covers regulated betting markets across Southern Africa, with specialist knowledge of South African provincial gambling legislation, Lucky Numbers products and local ZAR payment systems. This Hollywoodbets guide is based on publicly available information from South African gambling boards, official Hollywoodbets product pages and cross-referenced third-party research. We are not affiliated with Hollywoodbets or Hollywood Bets (Pty) Ltd. This is an independent editorial guide — always verify current terms at hollywoodbets.net.