Did you bet on the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

[MichaelCorfman]

The 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded last Sunday with Spain defeating Argentina 1–0 after extra time to win its second World Cup championship.

The tournament generated tremendous interest among sports bettors as well as football fans. Sportsbooks reported record betting activity during the expanded 48-team tournament, with several matches becoming among the most-bet football events in the history of major operators.

Major sporting events sometimes attract wagers from people who do not normally bet on the sport, while even regular sports bettors may decide to watch without placing a wager.

With the World Cup now complete, I thought it would be interesting to learn whether GPWA members bet on the tournament and, if so, how they participated.

Please share your experiences and the reasons for your answer in a post. If you placed any bets, what types of wagers did you make, and how did they work out? If you bet on sports but skipped the World Cup, what influenced that decision?

Personally, I played on my elementary school soccer team and enjoyed the sport quite a bit. However, I've never placed a sports bet myself.

Michael

[sportsbookh]

Yeah, I got a hundo free bet from an old bookie I used to work with way back. Put it on Argentina, and we all know how brilliantly that went. Even though I mostly work with sportsbooks, I've barely placed any bets myself over the last 15+ years lol. Good to get a quick reminder why.

[Mark Donowan]

I have placed only few bets, I was certain in Spain(win) vs France, so I placed just on pass further, no score/no main time/ etc. And I was certain in Spain(win) vs Argentina final, odds were not so big, but I won these two bets without any thought that I can loose my money.
Long live Spain!

[GlobalPokerSites]

Had 1 bet on Messi not being top goal scorer (thankyou England vs. France 6-4 3rd place game!)

[newcustomeroffer]

I bet on each of England's games apart from the 3rd place match, losing each bet which is pretty much the norm.

[NoDepositCasinos]

No, I didn't bet on this World Cup, and thank God, because I have lost my money twice. The first team I thought would win was eliminated very early, and the second was defeated in the finals.

[Mark Donowan]

The first team I thought would win was eliminated very early

who it was? Germany?

[NoDepositCasinos]

who it was? Germany?

Yes. I did not even get a chance to put the flag on the car.

[All In Affiliates]

Too many bets to remember. Mostly SGP with things like corners, fouls, goals/assists, first team to score, etc. There were lots of boosts that made it more interesting and fun to bet.