FIFA World Cup Prediction Markets Drive Record June Volumes

FIFA World Cup prediction markets are delivering record volumes as the 2026 tournament expands and keeps trading activity elevated. Kalshi posted nearly $9.4 billion in trading volume in June 2026, up from about $5.3 billion in May, according to DefiLlama data. Polymarket’s international platform rose to roughly $4.3 billion in June from about $3.5 billion in May, reversing a prior decline, while Polymarket’s U.S. platform also climbed to over $3.5 billion in notional volume. The article links the surge to the first-time expansion to 48 teams, with the competition starting June 11. It also highlights legal and regulatory pressure: nearly a dozen U.S. states filed actions against prediction market firms, while CFTC Chair Michael Selig says federal regulators have sole authority. ESMA has reminded firms that many event contracts may already fall under existing binary options rules.