How to Bet on the World Cup 2026 in Tennessee – Step-by-Step Guide

Read our whole guide on how to bet on the World Cup 2026, the biggest soccer event in history, featuring 48 national teams competing across North America from June 11th to July 19^th, 2026.

From creating your sportsbook account and verifying your identity, to finding World Cup betting markets, this guide will show you everything you need to know about betting on the World Cup.

Tennessee World Cup Betting Eligibility Requirements

Before placing your first World Cup bet in Tennessee, it is important to understand the two legal requirements that apply to each bettor, both residents and visitors:

You have to be 21 years or older to legally bet on sports in Tennessee. Every licensed sportsbook is required to verify your age during the registration process using a government-issued photo ID.

In the case that your information cannot be verified for some reason, you might be asked to upload a photo of your ID or other forms of documentation. If you’re under 21 you will be suspended from playing immediately.

In Tennessee the Sports Wagering Council oversees the industry and ensures that sportsbooks accept wagers only from within the state borders. This is why you have to be physically located within the state when placing a bet.

All licensed and regulated local sportsbooks use geolocation technology to confirm your location before processing any wager.

Creating Your Tennessee Sportsbook Account

Most sportsbooks have a very similar registration process that is super easy to navigate even if you’re completely new to the industry. Setting up your account is the first real step towards World Cup betting.

Required Information and Documents

Licensed sportsbooks in Tennessee must verify your identity before allowing you to bet. This is why you need to have the following information and documents readily available.

1. Full legal name, like it is on your ID.
2. Date of birth—You are 21+.
3. Residential address in Tennessee.
4. Social Security Number (last 4 digits minimum, some books require full SSN).
5. Email address for account communications and verification.
6. Mobile phone number, for two-factor authentication and security alerts.
7. Government-Issued Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport).

Here are some documents you might be asked to upload:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Selfie Photo
• Proof of Address

Most sportsbooks will automatically verify all your information within minutes, however sometimes you might be asked to upload documentation so make sure your ID is clear and well-lit and shows all corners.

With regards to data protection, every sportsbook must comply with state-level data privacy laws which means that your documents are encrypted and stored only for ID verification and anti-fraud purposes.

Step-by-Step Account Registration Process

Step 1: Download App or Visit Website

Step 2: Enter Personal Information

Step 3: Create Login Credentials

Step 4: Upload Identification

Step 5: Verify Location

Step 6: Accept Terms and Conditions

Step 7: Verify Email and Phone

Step 8: Wait for Account Approval

Setting Up Two-Factor Authentication (Recommended)

If you want to further protect your account, enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of security beyond your password by requiring a unique verification code each time you log-in.

How to Enable 2FA:

1. Go to your account settings.
2. Find the ‘Security’ or ‘Login Protection’ section.
3. Choose your method, either by SMS code or by using the authenticator app such as Google Authenticator, Authy, or similar apps.
4. Enter the code and confirm activation.

The point of 2FA is that, as you can see, if someone discovers your password, that won’t be enough for them to get into your account. The LGCB strongly recommends you enable this feature for all Tennessee sportsbook accounts.

Making Your First Deposit

So far in this ‘how to bet on the World Cup’ guide, you have an account that is verified. It is now time to fund it. Depositing money is fast, easy and secure with licensed sportsbooks in Tennessee.

Available Deposit Methods in Tennessee

Let’s have a look at some of the most common deposit options, their processing time and some details.

Method	Processing Time	Minimum/Maximum	Fees	Notes
Debit Card	Instant	$10 / $5,000	None	Visa, Mastercard, Discover
Credit Card	Instant	$10 / $2,500	None	*Subject to bank approval
PayPal	Instant	$10 / $5,000	None	Must link to bank or card
Venmo	Instant	$10 / $2,500	None	Available at select sportsbooks
Online Banking	Instant – 2 hrs	$10 / $10,000	None	Secure ACH transfer
Play+ Prepaid Card	Instant	$10 / $5,000	None	Sportsbook-branded reloadable card
Cash at Counter	Instant	$10 / $10,00	None	Available at retail sportsbook locations in Tennessee

Some banks block gambling transactions on credit cards, and in that case, go for debit, PayPal or online banking instead.

Most deposits appear instantly. Bank transfers may take up to 2 hours to verify.

Although sportsbooks typically don’t charge deposit fees, you should be aware that your bank or payment provider might charge their own fees (which is rare for debit/credit, and more common for bank transfers).

Step-by-Step Deposit Process

Let’s have a look at some payment details before moving on to the final 2 steps.

For Cards:

• Card number (16 digits)
• Expiration date (MM/YY)
• CVV security code (3-4 digits on back)
• Billing ZIP code

For PayPal/Venmo:

• Log in to your PayPal/Venmo account
• Confirm transaction

For Online Banking:

• Select your bank from the list
• Log in through secure portal
• Authorize transfer

7. Review and Confirm by clicking “Confirm Deposit”. At this point your funds should appear in the account balance within a few seconds. 
8. Check your available balance on your sportsbook dashboard to verify that it was a successful deposit.

Before depositing, consider setting personal limits in your account settings. You can set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit caps to prevent overspending. This feature is very important and it is supported by all LGCB-regulated sportsbooks.

Once funds appear in your balance, you can immediately start betting on World Cup markets.

Navigating to World Cup Betting Markets

Now that your Tennessee sportsbook account is funded, the next step is to locate the 2026 World Cup betting markets within the app or website. While each sportsbook’s layout varies slightly, they all share a similar structure.

This section will guide you through finding the correct pages and navigating how the World Cup betting options are organized.

Finding World Cup Markets in Your Sportsbook App

Most sportsbooks offer several ways to reach the World Cup section. In any case, whether you’re using FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, or DraftKings Tennessee, you’ll find three main navigation methods.

1. Browse by Sport

1. Open the sportsbook homepage.
2. Look for the Sports Menu—usually found on the left side of the desktop layouts or along the bottom navigation bar on mobile apps.
3. Select “Soccer” or “Football” (⚽ icon)
4. Select “International” or “Tournaments”.
5. “Choose “FIFA World Cup 2026” from the list.

This path takes you to a full list of World Cup markets, including matches, futures, and specials.

2. Use Search Function

1. Tap search icon (🔍 magnifying glass)
2. Type “World Cup,” “FIFA,” or “2026”
3. Choose “2026 FIFA World Cup” from the results.

3. Featured Section (During Tournament)

In June and July 2026, every sportsbook will feature the World Cup on its homepage, with banners or featured matches or ‘Bet Now’ links taking you straight to to live or upcoming games.

Market Organization Within World Cup Section:

Once in the World Cup section, you will see multiple market categories. Each one is a specific type of wager.

Main Market Categories:

• Futures/Outrights: Tournament Winner, Golden Boot (Top Scorer), Group Winners.
• Upcoming Matches: Matches scheduled over the next several days.
• Today’s Matches: Games taking place within 24 hours.
• Live Now: Matches currently in progress.
• By Round: Group Stage, Knockout Stage, Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Final.
• By Group: Each of the 12 groups (A–L) in the expanded 48-team format.

Most sportsbooks display match cards with:

• Team names with flags
• Match date and time
• Quick-bet odds for Home Win/Draw/Away Win (1X2)
• There will probably also be a “More Markets” link to view all the available betting options.

Understanding Market Organization and Filters

Each World Cup match offers a lot of different bet types. Sportsbooks use filters and tabs to help you locate what you want quickly.

Common Filters and Shortcuts:

• Popular or Featured: Most-bet markets (usually three-way, totals, player props)
• All Markets: Complete list of every available bet for that match
• Player Props: Isolated view of all player-specific bets
• Game Props: Team totals, halves, corners, cards
• Same Game Parlay: Access to parlay builder for that match

Viewing Full Match Details

Clicking or tapping on any match card opens the Match Detail Page, where you’ll find:

• Every betting market available for that game
• Team statistics and head-to-head results
• Lineups (announced around 60–90 minutes before kick-off)
• Live match tracker during in-play betting
• Market tabs that let you filter bets by category

If you’re new to betting, start with the Popular or Main Markets tab since they are the most straightforward options that most beginners prefer.

Understanding World Cup Betting Odds

Before placing any bets, you need to understand how to read and interpret odds.  All Tennessee sportsbooks display odds in the American format, using plus (+) and minus (–) signs to indicate favorites and underdogs. This is what will be used for the World Cup betting odds.

Reading American Odds Format (+/-)

Let’s get into the details of it. Favourite teams are denoted with a minus (-) sign. The number shows how much you need to bet to win $100, whereas the underdog teams are denoted with a plus (+) to show how much you’ll win if you bet a $100.

American odds tell you two things:

• Positive odds (+): Show how much you’ll win on a $100 bet.
• Negative odds (–): Show how much you must bet to win $100.

Special Case: +100 (Even)

• $100 bet wins $100 profit (2x total return)
• Represents 50/50 odds (neither team favored)
• Most common in coin-flip scenarios or perfectly matched teams

Quick Magnitude Guide:

• –110 to –150: Slight favorite
• –200 to –400: Strong favorite
• +150 to +400: Moderate underdog
• +1000+: Longshot

Special Case: +100 (Even odds)

This means that there’s an even 50/50 scenario. Bet $100 to win $100 profit ($200 total return).

Calculating Payouts for Any Bet Amount

When it comes to calculating payouts, most sportsbooks calculate payouts automatically on your bet slip, but it’s still good to understand just how the math works so that you can verify totals.

Let’s take a full example here, and say that I bet $100 on England at +300:

• The stake is $100.
• The profit is $300 (what you win).
• The total return if you win is $400 ($300 profit + $100 stake back).
• Your loss if you’re wrong is $100 (your original stake).

Your sportsbook’s bet slip automatically shows both before you confirm.

Bet Slip: Reading Your Potential Payout

Think of the bet slip as your control center, where you can confirm every wager before placing it.

Bet Slip Elements:

• Selection: The team, player, or market you’re betting on.
• Odds: The current odds for that selection.
• Stake: The amount you plan to bet.
• Potential Payout: Total return if your bet wins.

Odds can shift before you confirm. Tennessee sportsbooks allow you to set preferences for example:

• Accept Any Odds Change: Bet proceeds regardless of movement.
• Accept Better Odds Only: Bet continues only if odds improve.
• Decline All Changes: Cancels bet if odds move.

Basic Implied Probability (What Odds Mean)

In betting on the soccer World Cup it’s good to note that odds aren’t just payout ratios, and that they represent the implied probability of an outcome. Have a look at this table as a reference to this statement.

This means that for example, if I bet Argentina +500 to win the tournament, the sportsbook estimates roughly a 17% chance of that outcome. You don’t need to calculate implied probability to place bets; it’s just helpful to understand what the numbers stand for.

Placing Your First World Cup Bet (Step-by-Step)

The following guides explain how to bet on the world cup by breaking down how to place different types of World Cup bets in Tennessee sportsbooks.

Placing a Three-Way Match Bet

Three-way betting (also called 1X2 betting) is the simplest and most common market for soccer. You’re essentially choosing between three outcomes:

• Team A to Win
• Draw
• Team B to Win

Here’s a step-by-step process on how to place it:

The sportsbook will show a confirmation like “Bet Accepted” and email or text your receipt.

Placing a World Cup Futures Bet

Another thing to note when understanding on how to bet on FIFA World Cup is the futures (or outrights). They are long-term wagers on tournament outcomes, like for example, who will win the World Cup or the Golden Boot award.

Here’s a step-by-step process on how to place it:

Let’s have a look at an example:

If Brazil wins the tournament and I put a $25 bet on Brazil +650, that would mean that I would get $162.50 profit ($187.50 total return).

Futures bets are locked until the market concludes meaning that your money remains tied up until the event is over, although some sportsbooks offer early cash-out options as your selection advances.

Placing a Player Prop Bet

Player prop bets focus on individual performances, such as whether a player scores a goal or receives a yellow card.

I suggest you always do a lineup check, which usually happens 60-90 minutes before kick-off. If your player doesn’t start and never shows up, most sportsbooks will void the bet, and your stake will be refunded. Here are some conditions on when and how that happens:

• If the player prop bet is on first goalscorer, then this is made void if player doesn’t start
• If it is on an anytime goalscorer then usually stands if players enter as a substitute
• If the player doesn’t play at all then the bet is void and it is refunded.

Once your wager is confirmed, your sportsbook handles everything automatically, from tracking your bet in real time, to settling your winnings after the match or tournament ends. Here’s what to expect after you click “Place Bet.”

Tracking Your Active World Cup Bets

All Tennessee sportsbooks provide some kind of “Active Bets” or “My Bets” section, where you can constantly monitor every wager that you’ve placed.

How to Find It:

1. Log in to your sportsbook account.
2. Navigate to My Bets, Open Bets, or Bet Slip.
3. You’ll see a list of all unsettled wagers, including:

• Match or market name
  • Bet type (e.g., 3-way, player prop, or parlay)
  • Stake amount
  • Current World Cup betting odds and potential payout
  • Status: Pending, Live, or Settled

During Matches:

While a match is in progress, most sportsbooks usually provide

• Live score updates
• In-play statistics (shots, cards, possession)
• Dynamic cash-out options (partial or full)
• Match tracker graphics showing real-time action

You can also choose to receive notifications much like any other ordinary app. To do so you need to:

1. Enable push notifications in app settings
2. Then you pick if you want to receive alerts when:
   1. Match starts (your bet is live)
   2. Bet settles (win or loss)
   3. Cash-out available (if offered)

How and When Bets Settle

Each sportsbook follows strict rules and protocols defined by the Sports Wagering Council. All bets are settled automatically, usually within minutes after a result is confirmed.

Settlement Timeframes

• Match Bets: 5–15 minutes after the final whistle (based on 90 minutes + stoppage time).
• Player Props: 15–30 minutes after match end, once official stats are verified.
• Live Bets: Usually within minutes of match completion.
• Futures Bets: After the tournament or market concludes (for example July 19, 2026, for the World Cup Final).

When You Win

• Your stake + profit are automatically credited to your cash balance.
• You’ll see the update under “Available Balance.”
• You can withdraw or re-bet immediately.

When You Lose

• Your stake (the money that you risked) is forfeited.
• The bet moves from “Open Bets” to “Settled Bets” with a tag saying “Loss”.

If you use bonus credit instead of cash, winnings may go into a Bonus Balance that is subject to wagering requirements (rollover). It is very important to always make sure you read the sportsbook’s bonus terms before attempting withdrawal.

This is where you can find your complete transaction log; including open, settled, and voided bets. It is available under Bet History or Transaction History, and you can filter by date range and download for records if needed.

Withdrawing Your World Cup Winnings

Once your bet settles and winnings appear in your account, you can now withdraw them through several secure methods.

Available Withdrawal Methods in Tennessee

Let’s have a look at this table to illustrate some of the available withdrawal methods in the state, their processing time and other details.

Method	Processing Time	Min/Max	Fees	Notes
PayPal	1-2 Days	$10 / $5,000	None	Fastest and most popular choice
Debit Card	2-5 Business Days	$10 / $5,000	None	Must match deposit card
Online Banking (ACH)	3-7 Business Days	$10 / $10,000	None	Secure bank transfer
Paper Check	7-14 Business Days	$50 / $10,000	$1-5	This is mailed to the registered address
Cash at Counter	Instant	$10 / $10,000	None	Available at physical sportsbook locations

Some important withdrawal rules below:

• Same Method Rule: You usually must withdraw using the same method used for deposits.
• Verification: The first withdrawal often requires additional identity verification.
• Processing Delays: Be patient, withdrawals take longer than deposits due to anti-fraud checks.
• Bonuses: Funds from bonus wagers may require a minimum playthrough before withdrawal.

PayPal and other e-wallets offer fastest withdrawal times (1-2 days). Bank transfers and debit cards take several business days.

Step-by-Step Withdrawal Process

First-time withdrawals take longer (24-72 hours for verification). After your first verified withdrawal, other withdrawals are usually processed faster — usually not longer than 24 hours for e-wallets like PayPal.

Important World Cup Betting Rules in Tennessee

To understand how soccer betting works it is important to know all the sportsbook settlement rules to make sure there are no surprises once you place your bets. The World Cup has unique formats and timing, and not all bets include extra time or penalties as we’ve stated before.

The 90-Minute Settlement Rule (Critical)

The single most important rule in soccer betting for beginners, is that most bets settle based on the result after 90 minutes plus stoppage time.

Extra time and penalties are not included unless stated.

This applies to:

• 3-Way Match Result (Win/Draw/Win)
• Match Totals (Over/Under Goals)
• Both Teams To Score (BTTS)
• Player Props (Goals, Cards, Assists)
• Team Props (Corners, Clean Sheets, etc.)

Includes Extra Time / Penalties:

• “To Qualify” / “To Advance” bets
• “To Win Trophy” markets
• Some “Match Winner” or “Knockout Stage” specials (check terms)

Let’s have a look at a real example from the last World Cup Final 2022:

2022 World Cup Final – Argentina vs. France

• Score at 90 minutes: 2–2
• After extra time: 3–3
• Argentina won on penalties.

Settlements:

• If I would have bet “Draw” (3-Way Market), then I would have won (2–2 after 90 minutes).
• If I would have bet “Argentina to Win” (3-Way), then I would have lost.
• If I would have bet “Argentina to Advance”I would have won.
• If I would have bet “Over 3.5 Goals” (90-minute market), I would have lost (4 goals total in 90 minutes only)

Void Bet Rules (When Bets Are Refunded)

A void bet means the wager has been canceled and your stake has been refunded. This can happen for several reasons which we’ll go over below:

Common Void Scenarios

Player Props

• First Goalscorer: This is the clearest of them all; the bet is voided if the player doesn’t start.
• Anytime Goalscorer: Usually stands if the player enters as a substitute; voided if they don’t play at all.
• Player Cards or Shots: Void if player doesn’t appear in the match.

Match Bets

• Postponed Matches: If not rescheduled within 24–48 hours, bets are void.
• Abandoned Matches: If a game stops before 90 minutes due to weather or other issues, bets are usually void.
• Venue Changes: Bets stand unless the change creates a “neutral venue” situation not covered in sportsbook rules.

What Happens After a Void

• The original stake refunded to your account.
• There is no win or loss recorded.
• If it is part of a parlay, then that leg is removed and the remaining legs are recalculated.

For example, let’s say you place a 3-leg parlay: Spain –150, Brazil –180, and a France player prop. If the France prop voids, the parlay becomes a 2-leg wager with recalculated odds.

Getting Help and Support

If something goes wrong don’t panic, all licensed sportsbooks in Tennessee offer several customer support channels and responsible gambling resources. If you ever need assistance or have a betting-related question, here’s where to go for help.

Sportsbook Customer Support

Support Channels:

🗨️ Live Chat – The fastest method (available 24/7 on most apps)

📧 Email – Expect replies within 24 hours

📞 Phone – Offered by some Tennessee sportsbooks

❔ Help Center/FAQ – Library of answers for common issues

Common Issues & Quick Fixes:

⚠️ Unsettled Bets – Check the terms of the bet and contact support if the bet does not settle within 24 hours.

⚠️ Failed Deposit – Verify your payment options and check with your bank if a transaction was declined.

⚠️ Cannot Withdraw – Meet wagering requirements on bonuses and ensure your account has been verified.

 ⚠️ Account Locked – Contact the support team for assistance.

If an issue remains unresolved by a sportsbook, file a complaint with the Sports Wagering Council. All licensed Tennessee operators must follow dispute resolution procedures.

Responsible Gambling Help:

Sports betting should always remain a fun, controlled activity. If you ever feel your gambling is becoming stressful or difficult to manage, free help is available 24/7.

Tennessee Support Options:

• 1-800-GAMBLER – National, confidential support line
• Tennessee Problem Gambling Helpline: 800-560-5767
• Text: “HELP” to 53342 for immediate chat support
• Website: responsiblegaming.org

Responsible Gambling Tools in Sportsbooks:

• Deposit, wager, and time limits
• Self-exclusion or “cool-off” periods
• Reality check reminders (pop-ups showing time spent)

Licensed Tennessee sportsbooks are legally required to offer these tools within the account settings menu.

Ready to Start Betting on World Cup 2026

We hope that with this guide we managed to get the processes of the world cup betting explained. At this point you now know everything from eligibility to account setup, to placing bets and cashing out potential winnings. Let’s do a summary of it all:

1. You are 21+ and you are in Tennessee.
2. You create a verified account at a licensed sportsbook.
3. You deposit funds, usually with a minimum of $10.
4. You search and find the “World Cup 2026” section.
5. Make sure you understand American odds.
6. Place your first bet—we recommend you start with a simple one such as 3-way matches.
7. Track your bets and withdraw your winnings when ready.

Especially if you are new to sports betting, we highly recommend that you start small. Remember, even a $10 wager helps you to understand how the process works before risking more.

The 48-team World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with 104 total matches, offering plenty of betting opportunities. Every major Tennessee sportsbook will feature the same markets, with different odds, app interface, and promotions.

For this we also advise you to open accounts with different sportsbooks so you can compare the promotions and the odds.

World Cup Betting FAQ – Getting Started

What do I need to bet on the World Cup in Tennessee?

You must be 21 years or older, physically located in Tennessee, and have a verified account with a licensed sportsbook. You’ll need a government-issued ID and a valid payment method.

How long does account creation take?

A sign-up usually takes around 10–15 minutes to complete. Automatic verification is usually instant, but manual reviews can take up to around 72 hours.

What deposit methods are available in Tennessee?

Tennessee sportsbooks accept several deposit methods such as debit cards, PayPal, Venmo, Play+ cards, and online banking. All process instantly without any sportsbook fees.

How do I find World Cup betting markets?

Go to “Soccer”, then find “International”, then there will be a section called “FIFA World Cup 2026”.  Alternatively, you can search “World Cup” in the sportsbook’s search bar.

What do + and – odds mean?

A plus (+) shows how much profit you’ll win on a $100 bet (underdog). A minus (–) shows how much you must bet to win $100 (favorite).

Where do I enter my bet amount?

After selecting a team or player, your choice appears on the bet slip. There you can enter your stake, review the payout, and confirm.

Do World Cup bets include extra time and penalties?

No. At least, usually not, since standard bets settle after 90 minutes + stoppage time. Only “To Advance” or “To Win Trophy” markets include extra time and penalties.

How do I track my active World Cup bets?

Go to “My Bets” or “Open Bets” in your sportsbook account to view if you have any pending wagers and other live updates.

When do World Cup bets settle?

Usually match bets settle before 15 minutes of full time. Futures bets settle after the whole tournament ends.

How do I withdraw my winnings?

Open the “Cashier”, find “Withdraw”, select your preferred method of payment, and confirm. PayPal withdrawals typically take somewhere around a maximum of 48 hours.

What happens if a player I bet on doesn’t play?

You needn’t worry, for first goalscorer bets, your wager is void and refunded if the player doesn’t start. Note that for anytime goalscorer, the bet stands if they play as a substitute.

Can I cash out my bet early?

Yes, many sportsbooks do offer cash-out options during live matches, which allows you to lock in profit or minimize losses before full time.

What if my World Cup bet doesn’t settle?

Settlement delays sometimes happen. We suggest that you wait up to 24 hours and if it is still unresolved, then contact your sportsbook’s customer service.

Where can I get help with betting questions?

You can contact sportsbook live chat or customer support, or you can file a complaint with the Sports Wagering Council if it is unresolved from the sportsbook’s side.

What if I think I have a gambling problem?

If you think you have a gambling problem then call 1-800-GAMBLER or (877) 770-STOP immediately. All Tennessee sportsbooks offer self-exclusion tools and links to confidential help services.