Paysafecard Forecasts Surge in Bettors for 2026 FIFA World Cup
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Key Takeaways:
- Paysacfecard research indicates 19% of global consumers interested in the 2026 World Cup plan to place their first online bet during the tournament, with 60% overall intending to wager.
- Payment preferences highlight debit cards (39% globally), pay-by-bank, digital wallets, and local methods like Pix in Brazil (48%), emphasizing need for localized, fast-processing solutions.
- High churn risk noted, as 88% of bettors would switch providers after a poor experience, underscoring importance of reliable payments and UX for retention.
PaysacfeCardcard, a global payments provider in iGaming and sports betting, released research on January 15, 2026, projecting significant growth in casual and novice participation during the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The study surveyed global consumers and found strong intent to engage in online betting around the soccer event, particularly among first-timers.
Key findings show 60% of interested fans planning to bet on football matches, with elevated figures in Latin American markets such as Peru (85%), Brazil (66%), and Mexico (68%, including 26% first-timers). This points to emerging market potential beyond traditional regions, where providers and platforms can capitalize on influxes of new users.
Brand reputation ranks as the top factor for 38% of respondents when selecting a sportsbook platform, followed by rapid payouts (33%). In specific markets like Peru, quick cashouts outrank reputation. Payment methods vary regionally: debit cards lead globally at 39%, while digital wallets dominate in Peru (36%) and local options like Pix surge in Brazil (48%). These insights stress the role of flexible, localized payment integrations for odds suppliers, platforms, and operators to facilitate seamless onboarding and online betting payments.
The report warns of retention challenges, with 88% of bettors (rising to 93% in some markets) willing to switch providers following negative experiences, such as delayed payouts or poor UX. For software providers and payment facilitators, this reinforces priorities around reliability, speed, and user-centric features to convert World Cup-driven interest into sustained engagement.
As the industry anticipates the 2026 World Cup co-hosted in North America but with global reach, PaysafeCard's data highlights opportunities for innovation in payment ecosystems to support broader accessibility and higher volumes in sports betting.
