Big news for football fans who love a flutter on the game. FIFA just struck a massive deal that'll let sports betting platforms livestream the World Cup and other FIFA competitions. This is a game-changer for how we'll watch and bet on the beautiful game.
The deal makes Stats Perform the exclusive betting data provider for all FIFA competitions through 2029. If you're not familiar with Stats Perform, they're the folks behind Opta Sports, the company that tracks every pass, shot, and tackle in English football. They know their stuff.
What does this mean for you? If your favorite betting site offers streaming services, there's a good chance you'll be able to watch World Cup matches right there on the platform. No switching between apps or screens. You can watch and bet in one place.
Who Benefits From This Deal?
FanDuel, America's biggest sportsbook, already uses Stats Perform's data to set their odds. Several other major betting platforms do too. That means the World Cup will be easier to access than ever for American bettors this summer.
Stats Perform will share official FIFA data with licensed betting operators for everything from setting odds to live in-play betting. Opta will supply official player stats, live scores, and match trackers. It's the real deal, straight from the source.
FIFA didn't reveal the financial details of the agreement. But considering this covers the 2026 World Cup in North America and extends through 2029, it's safe to say we're talking serious money.
The World Cup Is Coming to America
The 2026 World Cup kicks off June 11 at Mexico City's legendary Estadio Azteca. Matches will take place at 16 venues across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The final happens at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
Last World Cup's final between Argentina and France pulled in 25.8 million viewers across all platforms in the US alone. The American Gaming Association estimated 20.5 million Americans wagered a whopping $1.8 billion during the 2022 tournament. With the tournament on home soil this time, expect those numbers to explode.
If you're already looking at the odds, Spain leads the pack at +450 on FanDuel. England sits at +600, France at +650, and defending champion Argentina at +800. Brazil also comes in at +800, with Portugal rounding out the favorites at +1,100.
This partnership shows how closely football and betting have become intertwined. FIFA already had regional betting sponsors for Qatar 2022, including Betano. But this Stats Perform deal takes things to another level entirely with comprehensive data and streaming capabilities.
