World Cup 2026 – bonuses and betting at licensed bookmakers
The 2026 World Cup — the FIFA World Cup — was held from 11 June to 19 July 2026 in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It was the first tournament in history with 48 teams (instead of 32): 12 groups of four sides, with the two best teams from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the knockout stage (the round of 16, known as the Round of 32). A total of 104 matches were played across 16 host cities — making it the longest and widest World Cup in history.
A tournament like that is a great way to understand how betting on major football tournaments works in general — from World Cups, to the Euros, to UEFA’s club competitions. This guide, using the 2026 World Cup as the worked example, explains the rules of tournament betting: where to bet legally, which markets are available, and what to look for when choosing a bookmaker. At the end you will also find a section on what to bet on now that the World Cup itself has finished.
Where can you bet on major football tournaments legally?
You will find the full list and an independent ranking in our legal bookmakers hub. For major tournaments it is worth choosing operators that are strong on football — the breadth of markets on national-team matches, competitive odds on the biggest games and smooth live betting.
| Bookmaker | Rating | Tournament strength | Bonus type | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STS | 9.4 | The widest offering and the most markets on national-team matches; excellent app, BLIK | welcome bonus — check with the operator | STS › |
| Superbet | 9.0 | Football betting offer; Ekstraklasa sponsor | deposit bonus — check with the operator | Superbet › |
| Fortuna | 9.1 | Experienced brand; offer on national-team tournaments | freebet at times — check with the operator | Fortuna › |
| Betclic | 8.8 | Top-league offer and live betting | welcome bonus — check with the operator | Betclic › |
The order reflects our overall rating and is not sponsored. Always check bonus amounts and conditions on the operator’s site — we do not quote specific amounts, because they change and depend on the current terms and conditions.
Bonuses around major football tournaments — how they work
Around major tournaments, bookmakers often activate welcome offers and promotions for regular players. We do not quote specific amounts or codes (they change and depend on the operator’s current offer), but it is worth understanding the mechanics:
- Deposit bonus — the operator adds funds to your first deposit (usually with a wagering requirement).
- Freebet / risk-free bet — a refund of the stake on a losing slip. The wagering requirement varies by operator — always check it in the terms before you register.
- Accumulator boost / cashback — an odds boost on a multiple bet or a refund of part of the amount you lose.
Always read the terms and conditions: check the current amount and wagering requirements with the operator before registering.
Which bets can you place on a major football tournament?
The most popular markets at a World Cup and similar events include:
- Match winner (1X2) — the simplest bet on the outcome of a single match.
- Tournament winner — a long-term bet on the champion of the whole event.
- To qualify from the group / “to advance from the group” — who will reach the knockout stage.
- Top scorer — the tournament’s leading goalscorer.
- Number of goals, BTTS, handicaps — markets on how a single match unfolds.
We expand on market details and how to approach the favourites on the World Cup tips, odds and favourites page. If you are just starting out, begin with our how to bet on a major tournament step by step guide.
What to look for when choosing a bookmaker for a major tournament?
During a major tournament, different things matter than in everyday betting. Pay attention to:
- Breadth of markets per match — how many options (goals, scorers, corners, cards) you can use on a single match. STS is the leader here.
- Quality of live betting — how fast odds update and cash-out during a match; Betclic and AdmiralBet are strong here.
- Margins and odds — a lower margin = better value; compare the odds on the same event at several operators.
- Mobile app — a lot of matches at tournaments hosted in the Americas fall in the evening Polish time (that was the case at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico), so a convenient app is essential (STS, Superbet, Lebull, Fuksiarz).
- Fast payments — BLIK and instant withdrawals; check each operator’s current cashback wagering requirement (including Fuksiarz, ComeOn and PZBUK) in its terms.
We rate each of these operators in detail in separate reviews — all of them hold a licence from the Minister of Finance.
What about the Polish national team?
The White and Reds did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup (for the first time since 2014). What this meant for the betting fan and when Poland may return to a major tournament — we explain on the Poland national team at the 2026 World Cup — odds and tips page.
What to bet on now that the 2026 World Cup is over
The 2026 World Cup wrapped up in July, but the football calendar doesn’t slow down — the club season in Europe is already gathering pace. If you’re looking for what to bet on now with licensed bookmakers, check out:
- Champions League 2026/27 betting — the league phase starts in September 2026, featuring Europe’s top clubs.
- Ekstraklasa betting — Poland’s top league, with odds on every round.
- Europa League betting — UEFA’s second-tier club competition.
- Conference League betting — UEFA’s third club competition, increasingly popular with bettors.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I bet on major football tournaments legally in Poland?
Only with bookmakers licensed by the Minister of Finance. For football it is worth checking STS, Superbet, Fortuna and Betclic, among others. You will find the full ranking in our legal bookmakers hub.
When and where was the 2026 World Cup held?
The tournament ran from 11 June to 19 July 2026 and was held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It was the first World Cup with 48 teams — 12 groups of four sides and a round of 16 stage (the Round of 32).
Can I bet with bet365 or Betsson?
No. bet365, Betsson, 1xBet and 22bet do not hold a Polish MF licence and are illegal in Poland. Using them exposes the player to legal risk and the loss of funds. Choose only operators from the Ministry of Finance list.
Do you quote specific odds and bonuses for major tournaments?
We do not quote specific, “live” odds or bonus amounts, because these change dynamically. We explain how the offers work and the types of markets, while the current odds and promotion terms can always be checked directly with the licensed operator.
Did the Polish national team play at the 2026 World Cup?
No — the Polish national team did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Even so, it was possible to legally bet on the matches of the other national teams. We describe the details on the page dedicated to the Polish squad.
The 2026 World Cup is over — what can I bet on now?
The European club season: the Champions League (league phase from September 2026), the Europa League, the Conference League and the Ekstraklasa. The rules for choosing a bookmaker and reading odds that you picked up around the World Cup apply identically to these competitions.