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Crypto Predicts World Cup Winner With Record $2 Billion Bet Pool

Prediction markets are setting a record around the 2026 World Cup, with Spain and France tied as favorites. FIFA is also getting into on-chain predictions for the first time.

By Finst News
• 2 min read
Crypto Predicts World Cup Winner With Record $2 Billion Bet Pool

Key Takeaways

  • Crypto prediction markets around the 2026 World Cup have hit a record $2 billion in volume.
  • Polymarket and Kalshi together make up the biggest single prediction market in crypto history.
  • Spain and France are the favorites, while FIFA is using official on-chain prediction infrastructure for the first time.

Crypto prediction markets have reached a record $2 billion in bets on the winner of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As the tournament kicked off today in Mexico City, millions of traders still disagree on who will take home the trophy. Spain and France are tied at the top with about 16% each, while reigning champion Argentina sits at 9%.

Record-Breaking Crypto Bets

The combined totals of Polymarket, which accounts for $1.9 billion, and Kalshi with $132 million, make this the biggest single prediction market in crypto history. Polymarket is running 328 live World Cup markets and saw $66 million in trading volume over the past 24 hours. The total pool of funds behind these bets now stands at $352.7 million.

Polymarket opened its World Cup winner market back in July 2025, giving traders almost a full year to place their bets. As the tournament got closer, trading volume picked up sharply, showing just how fast crypto prediction markets are growing in popularity.

Favorites and FIFA's Blockchain Move

With Spain at 16.5% and France at 16.1%, the market sees them as co-favorites. England and Portugal follow at about 11% each, while Brazil is at 8%. Argentina, the defending champion, has a lower chance at 9% than the top European teams.

This tournament also marks a milestone for FIFA, which is offering official on-chain prediction infrastructure for the first time. In partnership with ADI Predictstreet, an official FIFA partner and powered by Chainlink, a separate market is being run alongside Polymarket and Kalshi. With this move, world football's governing body is joining the crypto prediction market, a sector that has grown from academic experiments into mainstream platforms.

Why This Matters for European Crypto Fans

For European crypto investors and fans, it's notable that the market sees Spain and France as the favorites, which lines up with Europe's dominance in football. FIFA's integration with blockchain technology through ADI Predictstreet could point to broader adoption of Web3 applications in sports, opening up interesting possibilities for innovation and fan engagement in Europe.

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