During the 2026 World Cup, French Fans Bet Like Never Before — And Many Paid the Price
Sports betting reached record levels in France during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but millions of fans ended the tournament with financial losses.
Guérin
During the 2026 World Cup, French Fans Bet Like Never Before — And Many Paid the Price
Here’s what happened and why experts are concerned. The 2026 FIFA World Cup was one of the biggest sporting events in history, attracting billions of viewers and generating unprecedented excitement around the globe. In France, however, the tournament was about more than football. It became a record-breaking period for sports betting, with millions of fans placing wagers on matches throughout the competition. While some lucky bettors celebrated impressive wins, the reality was far less glamorous for the majority. As the tournament came to an end, countless French gamblers discovered that their hopes of making easy money had turned into significant financial losses. The World Cup highlighted both the explosive growth of online sports betting and the risks that come with it. A Historic Surge in Sports Betting The 2026 World Cup created the perfect environment for betting operators. Every day offered high-profile matches, dramatic upsets, penalty shootouts, and unforgettable moments that enco…