Prediction Markets Explode in July as World Cup Fueled $54B in Trades

The 2026 FIFA World Cup pushed prediction markets into one of the fastest-growing corners of finance, driving record trading volume, fees, transactions, and open interest as millions of traders flocked to platforms to wager on match outcomes and tournament milestones.

The World Cup, one of the world’s largest sporting events, created an ideal environment for rapid trading activity as every match generated new opportunities.

Higher trading activity naturally translated into higher platform revenue. Estimated prediction market fees climbed to approximately $327.67 million during July, Dune.com stats show.

Kalshi again led the industry, generating roughly $252.92 million, or about 77% of all estimated fees. Polymarket produced $39.72 million, while Polymarket (US) collected $29.52 million. Predict added $4.44 million, Limitless generated just over $1 million, and Opinion contributed about $50,000. The fee breakdown closely mirrored trading activity, reinforcing Kalshi’s commanding position.

Growing interest was equally evident in transaction counts. Platforms processed nearly 365.92 million transactions during July as traders continuously adjusted positions throughout the tournament.

Kalshi handled 246.73 million transactions, representing roughly 67.4% of total activity. Polymarket recorded 62.03 million, while Polymarket (US) processed 38.13 million. Together, the two Polymarket platforms accounted for roughly 100 million transactions, or about 27% of all market activity. Predict.fun contributed another 16.74 million, while the remaining platforms handled comparatively small volumes.

Kalshi held approximately $1.30 billion, equal to about 68% of total open interest. Polymarket accounted for $419.21 million, while Polymarket (US) contributed another $154.30 million. Predict.fun held $23.76 million, with Opinion, Limitless and other platforms representing only a small fraction of outstanding positions.

The tournament also broadened participation beyond traditional prediction market users. Sports fans who might never trade contracts tied to inflation or elections suddenly had familiar events to follow, increasing liquidity and drawing additional capital into the ecosystem.

Investors and platform operators will now watch upcoming sporting calendars, major political events, and regulatory developments to determine whether prediction markets can retain their expanded user base or whether activity gradually returns to pre-tournament levels. With the World Cup ended, prediction market open interest has cooled significantly.