Coinbase, Robinhood to Benefit from World Cup Prediction Market Surge: Bernstein

Bernstein analysts predict the 2026 FIFA World Cup could inject billions of dollars into prediction markets, with Coinbase and Robinhood poised to benefit from a surge in sports trading activity.

The research note from Bernstein highlights the growing intersection of sports and crypto-based prediction markets. The 2026 World Cup, to be hosted across the US, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to attract massive global attention, driving significant volume on platforms like Polymarket and others. Coinbase, as a leading crypto exchange, and Robinhood, with its retail-focused trading app, are well-positioned to capture new users who may enter the crypto ecosystem through sports-related trading. This trend aligns with the broader expansion of event-based contracts and prediction markets, which have gained traction in recent years.

For cryptocurrency and digital asset traders, this development underscores the increasing utility of blockchain-based platforms for real-world events. Prediction markets rely on smart contracts and decentralized oracles, which can enhance transparency and efficiency compared to traditional betting. As volume grows, it could drive demand for tokens used in these ecosystems, such as those on Ethereum or layer-2 networks. Traders can monitor real-time crypto quotes on NowPrice to track price movements of related assets as the World Cup approaches.

Looking ahead, the key catalysts will be the official launch of World Cup-related prediction contracts and user adoption metrics. Bernstein's report suggests that if the 2026 World Cup generates the expected billions in volume, it could validate prediction markets as a major use case for crypto, potentially attracting regulatory attention and further institutional interest. Traders should watch for announcements from Coinbase and Robinhood regarding new sports trading features, as well as volume data from leading prediction platforms.