The 2026 World Cup is the biggest in the history of the event and there are more ways than ever for fans to engage throughout the tournament beyond betting on the World Cup through a sportsbook. 

Included on the list is World Cup prediction market trading at leading platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket, which are available and accessible across the majority of the US. Trading happens in real time on a wide range of markets, including the winner, group stages, teams to advance, and much more.

Below is a complete guide on where and how to trade World Cup and a list of the best World Cup promos that you can claim today.  

Prediction Market

$10 bonus

Trade $10, Get $10 Free

CODE: DEFI

Claim Now

World Cup markets: Halftime, groups, winner markets

Prediction Market

Available in 49 states

$50 bonus

Deposit $20, Get $50 Bonus

Claim Now!

Must be 18+. Available for

Prediction Market

$35 bonus

$25 No-deposit bonus, plus $10 trade match

Claim Now!

Sports in regulated markets available via FanDuel Sportsbook

World Cup promos and bonus codes compared

Our top prediction market platforms feature some of the best welcome offers for trading on the World Cup, including trading bonuses, deposit matches, and no-deposit credits you can use across USMNT, Mexico or any of the top tier European clubs.

Use the table to compare the best promos and bonus codes for the 2026 World Cup

Best sites for World Cup prediction markets

There’s a growing list of prediction market platforms to choose from, many of which offer promos for new users. To trade World Cup prediction markets, here are the top options to consider. 

1. Kalshi – Best prediction market app, open in 49 states

Kalshi is certainly the largest and best site if you’re looking for immediate action on the World Cup. The app offers more contracts than any other US regulated prediction market including; Who will win, qualifying rounds, individual matchups and props with Messi and Ronaldo. If you’re transitioning from a sportsbook, Kalshi was fairly easily to get accustomed to. For soccer fans, Kalshi is offering all new users a $10 trade bonus for the World Cup. Use promo code RATE on sign up, make a $10 deposit and the $10 is yours for any World Cup market. 

Availability: 49 states (excludes Nevada)

2. Polymarket US  – Best bonus for new users and open in 49 states

Polymarket is second on our list. The site has a better bonus for new users giving you $50 when you deposit $20 using the code RATE. It’s ranked second on our list because it doesn’t have as many active markets as Kalshi. That said, you will find World Cup winner market, a couple of qualifiers, Group Stage and all regular matchups. Polymarket is available for iOS and Android only and you will need to make that $20 deposit to get the bonus. Anything less disqualifies.  

3. FanDuel Predicts – Offers World Cup markets in 12 states

FanDuel Predicts is the prediction site of FanDuel Sportsbook. The prediction app is only available in states where legal sports betting has yet to pass. The markets available are quite limited to the others, which is why it’s third on our list. You will be requires to do a KYC verification process which also includes financial verification. FanDuel is offering all new users a $25 free bonus. Simply sign up with our exclusive partnership link and you get $25 for free. No strings attached, other than its not cashable. 

OG Predicts – Up to $100 in trade bonuses for World Cup

OG Predicts is a release from the Crypto.com group and offers a scaling bonus for World Cup markets. Similar to FanDuel, OG does not have as many market options as Kalshi or Polymarket and its also restricted in New York. It’s a good option if you already have an account with Kalshi or Polymarket and you’re looking for something a bit simpler. 

An additional part of the appeal of prediction markets is their extensive availability. It can vary by market, but CFTC-regulated platforms are available across the majority of the US, including California, Georgia, and Texas.

How to sign up for World Cup prediction markets

Getting started takes a few minutes on any platform. The basic process is the same across the board.

1. Download the app or visit the platform website to begin registering.
2. Create an account and provide the requested information, such as your name and email.
3. If you’re claiming a prediction market promo, you’ll enter any applicable codes. 
4. When requested, upload a government-issued ID to complete verification.
5. Once your account is ready, choose a funding method and add funds to trade with.
6. Navigate to the World Cup hub, select a market, and place your trade.

How World Cup prediction markets work

Prediction markets let you trade on the outcome of real-world events. Instead of placing a bet against the house at fixed odds, you’re trading with other traders in an open market with transparent pricing. To trade, you buy a contract priced between $0 and $1. If your position is correct at settlement, the contract pays $1. 

Your profit is the settlement amount, less the full cost of the trade. If your position is incorrect, the contract expires at zero, and you lose your stake. Contract settlement happens automatically based on the market’s resolution criteria, which are clearly listed under the rules for each market. Before trading, always take the time to review these details. 

Prices reflect the implied probability of any given outcome. A contract trading at $0.65 implies a 65% chance of that outcome occurring. Those prices shift constantly as new information enters the market. Price movement is where part of the opportunity lies. You can hold positions until the market resolves, but you also have the flexibility to buy and sell contracts before settlement.

What you can trade

World Cup prediction markets cover a wide range of outcomes, from individual match results to the outright tournament winner, similar to World Cup lines on a sportsbook (but better). Offerings may vary slightly by platform, but these are the main 2026 World Cup betting markets: 

• Tournament winner: The most heavily traded market. You can buy a contract on any of the 48 nations to win the World Cup outright. This will actively trade ahead of and throughout the event.
• Group stage: Contracts on which team wins each group, and whether specific nations advance to the knockout round. These settle within the first two weeks of the tournament and tend to have strong liquidity on the bigger nations.
• Round qualifiers: Markets on teams to advance to the Round of 32, Round of 16, and beyond. Heavy favorites to win it all have the highest prices, offering value opportunities on those with less certain paths. 
• Individual matches: Contracts on the outcome of a specific match. All 104 matches will be active for live trading, with those involving high-profile nations and the latter stages of the tournament likely to attract the most significant volume.
• Player awards: Trade on individual honors, including the player who wins the Golden Boot as the top scorer for the tournament. At the 2022 edition, France’s Kylian Mbappe won the award after tallying eight goals.
• World Cup props: There are props for the group stage and the tournament as a whole, such as how many goals a star player might score. Leading platforms may also offer props for individual matches, such as team totals, halftime results, and player stats.   
• Novelty markets: You can also trade on specific in-tournament events, such as the World Cup halftime show. Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket may also have mention markets for the highest-profile games.  

How to read and place a trade

Reading a prediction market contract is straightforward. Each market is listed with clear pricing and probabilities on possible outcomes. There are markets with multiple choices, such as which team will win the World Cup, plus many with simple yes or no options on two choices, like which side will win a match. Consider the following example: 

• You identify England as your choice to win the 2026 World Cup.
• Ahead of the tournament, contracts are trading for 11¢, implying an 11% chance that they’ll win it all. 
• You decide to buy 1,000 contracts at that price point, for an initial outlay of $110.
• If England wins the World Cup, winning contracts pay out at $1 each, for a total of $1,000. Your profit is $890, less any fees. 
• If they fail to win, your contracts expire worthless, meaning you lose your $110 stake. 

As the tournament plays out, prices for England may rise or fall. This provides you with the flexibility of taking profits early or cutting your losses. As an example, if England reaches the quarterfinals and their price to win spikes to 31¢, you could sell and secure the 20-cent per contract difference. If they struggle in the Round of 32 and their price drops to 6¢, you have the option of selling and taking a 5-cent loss per contract. 

Placing a trade on a prediction market platform is simple. On the website or app, you click on your selection, enter the dollar amount or number of contracts you wish to purchase, and process the transaction. You can trade based on the listed market price, which executes instantly, or set a limit order for the price that you’re willing to pay and wait to see if there are any takers. 

When calculating the profit potential for any trade that you make, it’s important to remember that there are fees, which vary by platform. For example, Kalshi’s fees vary based on the probability of the contract, ranging from 0.07% at the extremes to 1.75% for those in the 50/50 range. Our guide to prediction market fees provides complete insight into how it works. 

Live trading during World Cup matches

One of the key features of prediction markets is the live betting aspect. The forecast for the World Cup prediction market volume calls for as much as $2.5 billion in trading activity. Ahead of the tournament and once it’s in full swing, prices will continue to take shape on countries to win or advance, indicating shifts in sentiment. 

In an individual match, each goal or significant shift in momentum could lead to a price spike or drop on either side. Prices move in real time across markets, setting up opportunities for traders and online sports bettors to enter or exit positions, open new ones at prices they find appealing, or simply continue to monitor to see what develops.  

If you value flexibility and the ability to actively manage your positions, the real-time structure of prediction markets is tough to beat compared to an online sportsbook. You’re not limited to accepting or passing on whatever price a sportsbook lists. Instead, you get to watch the market develop based on trader sentiment and scout for opportunities as the World Cup plays out.   

World Cup betting vs. prediction markets

The key difference comes down to the structure of the two environments. Sportsbooks set fixed odds and take the other side of every wager. The house edge, also referred to as vig, is built in. Prediction markets have no house. You’re trading against other participants. Prices reflect collective trader belief rather than a fixed line.

Many sportsbooks offer live trading. Actual wagering options can be volatile based on how the action plays out. Early cashout opportunities on positions may be offered, but it’s not always consistent. Prediction markets provide much more flexibility, allowing traders more control over managing their portfolios, similar to a financial exchange. 

When considering the two options, start by identifying how you like to engage. If you prefer to set it and forget it, both online sportsbooks and prediction markets are viable options. For those who like more active engagement and better price, prediction markets deliver a better experience and more flexibility than what you’ll find at a traditional online sportsbook.    

Tips for trading the World Cup

Prediction markets offer an exciting way for traders of all experience levels to engage with the 2026 World Cup. The following tips can help you make the most of your experience. 

• Set limits: Decide how much you’re willing to risk before you place a single trade. Starting small or at your comfort level is perfectly fine. It’s a weeks-long tournament that offers multiple trading opportunities.
• Don’t overtrade: With 104 matches and hundreds of active markets, there’s always something to trade. That doesn’t mean you have to trade everything. Be selective and pick your spots on the markets and prices you’re most comfortable with.
• Know what you’re trading: Understand the contract before you buy. What outcome triggers a yes? What results in a no? How liquid is the market? Entering a trade without those answers opens the possibility of avoidable losses.
• Understand resolution criteria: Each market has specific rules on how and when it settles. Read the resolution criteria before entering any position for a full understanding and to avoid any unnecessary surprises. 
• Research and stay alert: Do your homework before entering a market, and stay engaged once you’re in. Things like lineup news, injury updates, sentiment shifts, and match results can all inspire price moves.