The UK government expects to collect approximately £58 million in tax revenue from sports betting on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This projection is based on a forecast of £3.1 billion in total wagering activity across the tournament, according to estimates from the TaxPayers' Alliance.
Wagering Breakdown and Revenue Distribution
Group stage fixtures are projected to generate £1.2 billion in bets, while the round of 16 and quarter-finals combined will account for £1.1 billion. Knockout stage wagering is expected to reach £446 million during the semi-finals. The final match will see £237 million placed, with the third-place game drawing £97 million. Tax collection will follow a similar distribution pattern, with the group stage contributing £23.2 million and the final adding £4.4 million to government revenues.The anticipated wagering total represents a 36 percent increase compared to the 2022 tournament. This growth stems from the expanded competition structure, which will feature 104 matches instead of the 64 fixtures played in the previous cycle.