Sports · 9 min read

    World Cup 2026 Favorites: Kalshi and Polymarket Post-Tournament Review

    By Catie Di StefanoPublished May 14, 2026Updated August 7, 2026

    The 2026 World Cup has concluded with Spain as champions. We look back at how prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket priced the teams and how market sentiment evolved.

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    Independent educational guide. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to FIFA or any official World Cup body.

    World Cup 2026 Favorites: Kalshi and Polymarket Post-Tournament Review

    Sources

    Every figure on this page is checked against primary sources — regulator filings, exchange documentation and official results. Prices and rules change; verify with the operator before trading.

    1. 1.Kalshi Help Center — fees, funding and account rulesKalshi
    2. 2.Kalshi market listings and contract rulebooksKalshi
    3. 3.Polymarket documentation — markets, fees and resolutionPolymarket
    4. 4.Polymarket Learn — how the exchange worksPolymarket
    5. 5.2026 men's World Cup fixtures, results and standingsESPN
    6. 6.Soccer coverage and match reportsAssociated Press

    Editorial coverage

    Polymarket is the world's largest prediction market, with a US iPhone app for event contracts.

    We don't operate Polymarket and don't accept signups on this site. For state-specific availability and guidance, jump to the sibling editorial site for your jurisdiction.

    Affiliate partner

    Trade soccer event contracts on Kalshi — trade $25 and get $25 with code WCPREDICTS.

    Kalshi is a federally-regulated exchange for event contracts on soccer, politics and culture. Open an account in minutes, trade $25 and your $25 follows.

    Sign up at Kalshi →

    Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions at kalshi.com/tc/500. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.

    Some links on this page are affiliate links — we may earn a commission if you sign up, at no cost to you. How we make money.

    Independent educational guide. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to FIFA or any official World Cup body.

    Frequently asked questions

    Who won the 2026 World Cup?

    Spain won the 2026 World Cup, defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time in the final on July 19, 2026. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal.

    Which teams made it to the 2026 World Cup semifinals?

    The four teams that reached the semifinals were Spain, Argentina, England, and France. Spain defeated France 2-0, and Argentina defeated England 2-1.

    What were some major upsets in the 2026 World Cup?

    Notable upsets included Paraguay's penalty shootout victory over Germany in the Round of 32, and Morocco eliminating the Netherlands, also on penalties, in the same round. Germany's early exit caused its outright market to plummet.

    How did market predictions for Spain evolve during the World Cup?

    Spain, initially trading around 20¢ pre-quarterfinals on prediction markets, proved to be significantly underpriced. They went on to win the championship, exceeding market expectations.

    Where can I find markets for the upcoming 2026-27 club season?

    Markets are now open for the Champions League winner, domestic league titles (Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A), and individual awards like the Ballon d'Or on platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket.

    Next steps

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    Sign up at Kalshi →

    Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions at kalshi.com/tc/500. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.