Which betting app is best for the World Cup 2026?

Betfred is highly rated for accumulator features and insurance. Sky Bet is strong for custom bets. William Hill offers good market depth and live streaming.

How to Bet on the World Cup (UK Guide 2026)

Q: What’s the best way to bet on the World Cup?

Start with small stakes, take advantage of bookmaker promotions, and balance outright tournament bets with individual match wagers. Avoid chasing losses and stay disciplined.

Q: Is betting on the World Cup legal in the UK?

Yes. Betting on the World Cup is fully legal in the UK as long as you use a bookmaker licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).

By Max Green | Updated July 2025

The FIFA World Cup is the world’s largest football tournament and one of the most exciting events for sports bettors in the UK. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or a first-time bettor, understanding how to bet on the World Cup can turn every match into a thrilling experience.

In this guide, we’ll explain how World Cup betting works, the best markets to explore, and which UK world cup betting apps give you the edge in 2026.

Getting Started: What You Need to Bet on the World Cup

To place a bet on the World Cup in the UK, you’ll need:

A verified account with a UK-licensed bookmaker (like Betfred, Sky Bet, or William Hill)
To be 18+ years old with ID verification
A bank card, PayPal, or e-wallet to deposit funds
Knowledge of World Cup betting markets and promotions

Always bet responsibly. Only wager what you can afford to lose.

Popular World Cup Betting Markets

The World Cup offers dozens of markets per match, and many long-term options too. Here are the most popular:

1. Match Result (1X2)

Betting on the outcome: Home win (1), draw (X), or away win (2).

Example:
England vs Brazil

England to win: 2/1
Draw: 11/5
Brazil to win: 13/10

2. Outright Winner

Place a bet on which nation will win the tournament.
Top picks in 2026 may include Argentina, France, England, Brazil, or Spain.

3. Top Goalscorer

Back a player to score the most goals in the tournament.
Watch for odds on stars like Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, or Erling Haaland.

4. Group Winner

Wager on who will finish top of each group. Great for early value bets.

5. Both Teams to Score (BTTS)

Simple: will both teams score at least one goal in the match?

6. Accumulators

Combine multiple match results into one bet. Accas can offer high returns, but are riskier.

Tips for Betting on the World Cup

Study Team Form and Squad News

International form and injuries matter. Teams like Germany or Belgium may breeze through qualifiers but underperform in tournament settings. Always check the latest line-ups.

Understand Tournament Format

In the group stages, teams may settle for draws. In knockout rounds, extra time and penalties matter for certain bets. Know the rules behind your bet type.

Watch for Underdog Value

World Cups are famous for upsets. Backing underdogs (with small stakes) can yield great value—think Japan vs Spain in 2022.

Use Promotions Like Acca Insurance and Bet Boosts

Betfred and Sky Bet often offer World Cup-specific promotions, such as:

Bet £10, get £5 free
20% acca boosts on 4+ fold World Cup bets
Money back if your team loses on penalties

Best UK Betting Apps for the World Cup

Here are the top UK apps to bet on the 2026 World Cup:

App	World Cup Promotions	Live Betting	Ease of Use	Special Features
Betfred	Daily odds boosts	Yes	Excellent	Acca Insurance, Bet Builder
Sky Bet	Bet £10, get £30 offer	Yes	Very Good	Request-A-Bet, Super 6
William Hill	Top Goalscorer specials	Yes	Very Good	Live stats, cash out
Coral	Group stage acca boosts	Yes	Very Good	Clean UX, in-play tools

All apps are UKGC-licensed, mobile-friendly, and compatible with iOS and Android.

Live Betting During the World Cup

In-play betting is huge during the World Cup. Odds shift based on momentum, injuries, and goals. Popular live markets include:

Next team to score
Total goals (over/under)
Player to be booked
Corner count

Pro tip: Use mobile apps with fast interfaces; Betfred and Sky Bet excel here.

Futures vs Match Betting: Which is Better?

Futures betting: Higher risk but higher reward (e.g., Brazil to win the World Cup at 6/1).
Match betting: Lower variance, lets you bet day-to-day with current info.

A smart strategy is to mix both: place one or two outright bets early, then focus on live betting and match results during the tournament.

FAQs: Betting on the World Cup 2026

Can I bet on the World Cup from the UK?

Yes. All major UK betting apps will offer full markets for every match. You must be 18+ and verify your identity.

What’s the best way to bet on the World Cup?

Start small, use promotions, and combine outright bets with daily match wagers. Avoid chasing losses.

Is betting on the World Cup legal in the UK?

Absolutely—as long as you use a UK Gambling Commission licensed bookmaker.

Final Thoughts: Bet Smart, Enjoy the Tournament

Betting on the World Cup is a fun way to add extra excitement to the matches. Stick to a strategy, use bookmaker promotions wisely, and don’t bet emotionally. Whether you’re backing England to bring it home or betting on goalscorers, World Cup 2026 has endless opportunities for smart punters.