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The 2026 World Cup continues to deliver drama — and BetMGM’s promotions are keeping pace.
This week featured several memorable matches, most notably Senegal’s stunning collapse against Belgium in the knockout round. Senegal built a 2-0 lead before Belgium stormed back for a 3-2 victory. Still, many BetMGM bettors walked away winners.
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BetMGM’s 2-Up promo paid out on both sides
BetMGM Sportsbook offers a popular 2-Up promotion that gives World Cup bettors an early payout on eligible moneyline wagers if their team takes a two-goal lead at any point during the match.
Even if that team later blows the lead and loses, bettors still receive their payout.
That made Senegal’s loss far less painful for many bettors. Senegal backers cashed their wagers after the team went up 2-0, while Belgium bettors also collected after the comeback win. Both sides walked away with payouts — an unusual result in one of the tournament’s wildest matches so far.
As the World Cup continues, BetMGM’s betting data highlights another major storyline emerging from the tournament.
American bettors are driving World Cup action
Underdog runs, dramatic comebacks and national pride have fueled excitement throughout the FIFA World Cup — especially among American bettors.
According to BetMGM, bettors heavily backed Team USA during its matchup against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The sportsbook reported five times more bets on USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina than on any other match. BetMGM also accepted nine times more moneyline bets on the United States than on any other team, underscoring the enthusiasm surrounding the host nation.
Breaking down the tournament’s biggest betting markets
USA vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina generated the highest ticket volume of the round. England vs. DR Congo and Belgium vs. Senegal ranked second and third, respectively.
On the moneyline, USA at -250 led all teams in both tickets and handle. Bosnia and Herzegovina at +675 ranked second in tickets, suggesting many bettors either hedged their wagers or took a flier on the underdog. England at -325 attracted significant handle despite trailing Bosnia in total ticket count.
Totals betting also leaned heavily toward the Over. USA-Bosnia Over 2.5 (-140) generated the most interest, followed by England-DR Congo Over 2.5 (+110) and Belgium-Senegal Over 2.5 (-102). Bettors clearly expected offense, and Belgium vs. Senegal delivered with five total goals.
Player props reflected strong support for Team USA. Folarin Balogun (+100) and Christian Pulisic (+120) each attracted three times more anytime goalscorer bets than any other player. Harry Kane (-130), Ricardo Pepi (+120) and Jude Bellingham (+240) rounded out the top five.
Betting interest builds as the knockout stage intensifies
The 2026 World Cup continues to produce dramatic finishes, high-scoring matches and intense sports betting action.
BetMGM’s promotions have added another layer of excitement, rewarding Senegal bettors despite the team’s collapse, while American bettors continue flooding the market with Team USA wagers.
With the tournament entering its most competitive stage, betting interest — and the drama — appear far from over.
