World Cup could boost Coinbase, fuel prediction markets

Bernstein says the 2026 FIFA World Cup could mark a breakout moment for prediction markets, with Coinbase emerging as one of the biggest winners. The analysts estimate the expanded tournament will generate more than $3 billion in incremental sports betting handle and $5 billion to $10 billion in additional consumer prediction market volume, as 104 matches transform what is typically the slowest period for online sports betting.

FIFA expects the month-long tournament to attract roughly 6 billion viewers worldwide, up from an estimated 5 billion during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar; matches are scheduled to start today. Bernstein said Coinbase has established itself as a major player, surpassing $100 million in annualized prediction market revenue in March, just months after launching the product.

The crypto exchange rolled out prediction markets nationwide through a partnership with Kalshi, allowing users in all 50 US states to trade event contracts tied to sports, politics, culture and other real-world outcomes.

United States

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