World Cup Prediction Markets Hit $20 Billion in Blockchain Trading Volume, Chainalysis Finds

Blockchain based prediction markets tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup generated $20 billion in trading volume, with more than 400,000 wallets taking part in blockchain betting activity, according to a new report from Chainalysis.

Betting Activity Peaked During Tournament

The $20 billion figure covers activity before and during the event, with about $5.7 billion wagered over the five-week tournament itself. World Cup markets made up roughly 63% of all prediction market trading during that stretch.

Global Participation, Limited Illicit Activity

Chainalysis said users from every continent except Antarctica joined World Cup prediction markets, with the United States and China producing the largest trading volumes, followed by Canada, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. Illicit involvement stayed low, with under 1% of participating wallets linked to bad actors, though the firm traced about $5.4 million in flows from sanctioned entities and other illicit sources.

Digital Collectibles Gain Ground

Fans also traded roughly $24 million in FIFA Collect NFTs, and more than 100,000 match tickets were issued through the platform. Wallets tied to sanctioned entities made up less than 0.01% of FIFA Collect users, which Chainalysis credited to the platform’s identity checks.