How to Bet on the 2026 World Cup: Registration, Deposit, and Betting Step by Step
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, culminating in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. With 48 teams and over 100 matches on the schedule, it is the largest World Cup in history — and for bettors in the US, it represents a massive opportunity across all the major licensed sportsbooks.
If you are new to sports betting or simply want a clear walkthrough of the process, here is everything you need to know to get started.
Step 1: Choose Your Sportsbook
Before you can place a bet, you need to pick a platform. The leading options for World Cup 2026 betting in the US are DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, bet365, Caesars, and Fanatics Sportsbook. Each one covers a full range of World Cup markets — match results, group stage outcomes, tournament futures, player props, and parlays.
When choosing, consider a few key factors:
- Welcome offer — most platforms provide generous sign-up bonuses for new customers (more on this below)
- Market range — FanDuel, for example, features a dedicated Team USA section, while DraftKings offers an extensive selection of group and player futures
- Ease of use — all six platforms have well-rated mobile apps on both iOS and Android
A quick overview of current welcome offers:
- DraftKings — Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets instantly
- BetMGM — Up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet loses
- bet365 — Bet $10, get $365 in bonus bets
- Caesars — Bet $1, double your winnings on your next 10 wagers
- FanDuel — Up to $300 back in bonus bets per day for 10 days
- Fanatics — Bet $5, get $200 in FanCash
Step 2: Check You Are in a Legal Betting State
Sports betting is legal in 40 US states plus Washington D.C., with online wagering available in 32 of those. Before registering, confirm that your state permits online sports betting. The legal minimum age is 21 in most states, though it drops to 18 in Kentucky, Montana, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Washington D.C.
When you open the sportsbook app, it will automatically verify your location. You must be physically present in a legal betting state at the time of placing each wager — not just when you register.
Step 3: Download the App and Create an Account
All major sportsbooks operate primarily through their mobile apps. Here is how registration typically works:
- Download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Tap the sign-up or register button.
- Enter your personal details — full name, date of birth, email address, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- Create a username and password.
- Enter a promo code if one is required for your chosen welcome offer.
- Enable location services on your phone — this is required for the platform to verify you are in a legal betting state.
- Agree to the sportsbook's terms and conditions.
The whole process usually takes under five minutes.
Step 4: Make Your First Deposit
Once your account is created and verified, you need to add funds before placing any bets. Most sportsbooks accept the following payment methods:
- Debit or credit card
- PayPal
- Online bank transfer
- Apple Pay or Google Pay
- Prepaid betting cards
Minimum deposit amounts vary by platform but are generally low — bet365 and FanDuel require just $5 to $10 to get started. BetMGM requires a minimum first deposit of $10 to qualify for its welcome bonus.
Keep in mind that some welcome offers have minimum deposit requirements tied to the bonus, so check the terms before depositing.
Step 5: Claim Your Welcome Bonus
Most sportsbooks activate their welcome offer automatically when you make your first qualifying deposit and bet. A few require a promo code to be entered during registration. Either way, the process is straightforward:
- DraftKings — no code needed; place a $5 bet and receive $200 in bonus bets instantly, issued as four $25 tokens
- BetMGM — enter a promo code at sign-up; if your first bet loses, you receive up to $1,500 back as bonus bets
- bet365 — deposit and bet $10 to receive $365 in bonus bets, win or lose; must be claimed within 30 days of registering
- Caesars — enter a promo code, place a $1 minimum bet, and unlock 10 profit boost tokens that double your winnings on subsequent wagers (max $25 stake per boost)
- FanDuel — no code needed; receive up to $300 back in bonus bets each day for 10 days if your bets lose
- Fanatics — place a $5 bet to receive $200 in FanCash
Bonus bets are non-withdrawable and typically expire after seven days. Any winnings generated from bonus bets are paid in cash, but the bonus stake itself is not returned as part of your payout.
Step 6: Find the World Cup Markets and Place Your Bets
With your account funded and bonus activated, you are ready to bet. Navigate to the football or soccer section of your chosen app and look for the 2026 World Cup tab. You will typically find the following types of markets:
Match betting — pick the result of individual group stage or knockout games (home win, draw, or away win).
Tournament futures — bet on which team will win the entire World Cup, reach the final, or finish top of their group.
Player props — wager on individual player performance, such as who will score the first goal in a match or who will finish as the tournament's top scorer (Golden Boot).
Parlays and accumulators — combine multiple selections into a single bet for higher potential returns.
Live/in-play betting — place bets on matches as they happen, with odds updating in real time throughout the game.
To place a bet, simply tap your selection, enter your stake in the bet slip, review the potential payout, and confirm. Your bet will be settled once the relevant match or market concludes.
Step 7: Withdraw Your Winnings
Withdrawing from a sportsbook is just as straightforward as depositing. Head to the cashier or payments section of the app, select your preferred withdrawal method, and enter the amount. Most platforms process withdrawals within one to five business days, depending on the method used.
Note that bonus bets cannot be withdrawn directly — only the cash winnings they generate are transferable to your balance.
Key Dates to Know
- Group stage begins — June 11, 2026
- Round of 32 begins — June 28, 2026
- World Cup final — July 19, 2026
- Final venue — MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a promo code to sign up?
Not always. DraftKings and FanDuel apply their welcome offers automatically. Others, such as BetMGM and Caesars, require a code to be entered during registration. Check the specific terms for your chosen sportsbook before signing up.
Can I bet on the World Cup from any US state?
Only in states where sports betting is legally permitted. That currently covers 40 states plus Washington D.C. Your sportsbook app will confirm whether your location is eligible when you register.
What is the minimum age to bet on the World Cup?
21 in most states. The minimum drops to 18 in Kentucky, Montana, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Washington D.C.
Can I bet on the World Cup on my phone?
Yes — all major sportsbooks have mobile apps available on iOS and Android, and the majority of World Cup betting takes place via mobile.
Will there be special World Cup promotions during the tournament?
Almost certainly. As the tournament gets underway, most platforms are expected to offer dedicated promos including enhanced odds, profit boosts, and risk-free bets on specific matches. It is worth checking the promotions section of your app regularly throughout June and July.
Please gamble responsibly. Never bet more than you can afford to lose. Tools including deposit limits, loss trackers, and self-exclusion options are available on all licensed platforms. If you need support, contact the Problem Gambling Help Network at 1-800-MY-RESET.