Pakistan, June 25 -- The 2026 FIFA World Cup is on track to become the largest betting event in sports history, with industry experts reporting record levels of engagement even before the knockout stage begins. The tournament's expansion to 48 teams and 104 matches, combined with favorable kickoff times and wider access to regulated gambling markets, has significantly increased betting activity around the world.

Major betting operators expect wagering volumes to comfortably exceed those recorded during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Industry forecasts suggest global betting could surpass $50 billion during the tournament, compared with approximately $35 billion four years ago. Analysts believe the growth is being driven by increased legal ...