Instant payments redefine fan engagement ahead of the 2026 World Cup

New research shows fast, flexible, and localized payments will determine how fans bet, travel, and spend during the 2026 World Cup.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the most digitally connected and commercially influential tournament ever staged. For the first time since 1994, the world’s biggest football event returns to North America, which has become one of the fastest-growing regulated sports-betting regions globally. And consumers are approaching this World Cup with very different expectations than any before it. New research from Paysafe, the All the Ways Players Pay: World Cup 2026 Edition report, reveals that payments have moved from a back-office necessity to a frontline differentiator that influences how fans watch, bet, travel, and play. The findings highlight a singular truth: In a competitive market where fans have increasing choice, the speed, security, and localization of payments will drive customer loyalty. Match day excitement fuels betting growth The World Cup has always attracted bettors beyond traditional core soccer fans. This year, participation is surging. According to the research, 60% of consumers plan to bet online, including 19% placing their first-ever digital wager. In the U.S., the proportion of new bettors rises to 29%, reflecting the rapid expansion of regulated markets and the mainstream adoption of online sports betting. Bettors are also demonstrating highly reactive behaviors: 64% plan to place bets on the day of the match or even during live play. The moment-driven nature of World Cup wagering places enormous pressure on operators to deliver real-time, frictionless payment experiences. A delayed payout or unavailable payment method is no longer a minor inconvenience and has instead become a dealbreaker. Payments now make—or break—the betting experience The research shows that quick payouts are second only to brand trust when World Cup bettors choose a sportsbook. Players increasingly demand instant access to winnings, and 84% report higher satisfaction when payouts are instantaneous. Meanwhile, 44% have abandoned bets because their preferred payment method wasn’t offered. This urgency heightens the risk of churn: 88% of bettors say they would switch brands after a poor payment experience, rising to 93% in the U.S. and Ecuador. Operators who fail to offer fast, secure, and localized options risk losing customers at the most commercially significant moment in the tournament’s four-year cycle. Preferences are also diversifying across markets:

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Note: This content was created by Paysafe, a client of Business Reporter.

Across many markets, e-cash solutions remain popular, offering privacy and security for players who prefer not to share financial details online. In this landscape, operators must deliver comprehensive and localized payment portfolios to meet rising expectations. Fans are travelling and paying differently While most fans will watch from home, 11% plan to attend matches in person, with numbers much higher in U.S. host states such as New York (32%) and Florida (26%). Credit cards remain the dominant travel payment method globally, yet demand for digital wallets (31%), local payment methods (25%), and e-cash (22%) underscores a shift toward flexibility and security. For merchants across hospitality, ticketing, and travel, the takeaway is clear: Friction in payment flows risks eroding the economic upside of World Cup tourism. Digital entertainment spikes alongside the tournament The World Cup’s influence extends beyond stadiums and sportsbooks. Videogaming engagement is set to increase significantly, with 58% planning to play soccer-themed games and 56% expecting to spend more on downloadable content. Younger audiences, particularly those aged 25 to 34, are the most likely to increase in-game purchases. Here again, payment choice is pivotal. Gamers expect instant, secure, low-friction experiences, driving rising adoption of digital wallets and alternative payment methods across global markets. Winning loyalty through payments Across all channels—betting, travel, gaming, and digital entertainment—the message from fans is consistent. They want seamless, secure, localized payments that enhance their experience. In an environment shaped by match day momentum and real-time digital engagement, operators who prioritize payment innovation will convert excitement into sustainable loyalty. As the tournament approaches, the opportunity is clear: The right payment strategy can help operators and merchants turn the world’s biggest sporting event into a long-lasting competitive advantage. Download the full All the Ways Players Pay: World Cup 2026 Edition report here.

In Brazil, local instant payment platform Pix dominates at 48%. In Peru, digital wallets such as PagoEfectivo lead at 36%. In North America, card use remains strong, but alternative options such as Venmo in the U.S. and Interac e-Transfer in Canada are increasingly essential.