Prediction markets posted a record month in July 2026, with combined trading volume across Kalshi and Polymarket reaching about $50.6 billion, according to data cited from The Block. The surge was largely tied to the World Cup, which began on June 11 and ended on July 19.
Kalshi led the market with roughly $37.7 billion in July volume, up 14% from June. Polymarket fell 26% month over month to about $7.9 billion, while Polymarket US, which focuses on U.S. users, moved the other way and rose 54% to around $5 billion. Together, the three platforms set a new monthly record.
Event-driven activity was especially visible in World Cup markets. Kalshi’s market tied to the Spain vs. Argentina final drew about $1.9 billion, while Polymarket’s “World Cup winner” market accumulated about $4 billion in bets. After the tournament ended, activity cooled quickly. Open interest across the three platforms dropped from around $2 billion at the start of July to about $1.2 billion by month-end, highlighting how tightly prediction-market volume can track major global events.
Prediction markets saw a sharp surge in July 2026. Data cited by The Block showed that combined trading volume across Kalshi and Polymarket reached about $50.6 billion for the month, setting a new all-time monthly high. The main driver was the World Cup, which had just concluded.
Kalshi led July volume while Polymarket US expanded
Kalshi accounted for the largest share, posting about $37.7 billion in July trading volume, up 14% from June. Polymarket, by contrast, fell 26% month over month to about $7.9 billion. Polymarket US, which targets U.S. users, moved higher and climbed 54% to around $5 billion. Taken together, the three platforms rewrote the record for monthly prediction-market volume.
World Cup markets drove most of the spike
The jump in July activity was tied almost entirely to the World Cup, which started on June 11 and ended on July 19. In the final between Spain and Argentina alone, Kalshi-related markets drew about $1.9 billion in volume. On Polymarket, the “World Cup winner” market accumulated about $4 billion in bets.
That momentum faded quickly once the tournament ended. Open interest across the three platforms stood at around $2 billion in early July, then fell to about $1.2 billion by the end of the month.
Volume remained closely tied to major events
The figures highlight a familiar feature of prediction markets: trading activity is heavily concentrated around major events. A global event such as the World Cup can push volumes sharply higher in a short period, while open positions retreat noticeably after the event is over.
This article was originally published by Bit.Fan. For more cryptocurrency news and market insights, visit www.bit.fan. Disclaimer:
The market information, project data, and third-party content displayed on this platform are for industry information sharing only and do not constitute any form of investment advice or return commitment.
Cryptocurrency trading carries high risks. Users should fully assess their risk tolerance and make independent decisions. All profits, losses, and legal responsibilities are borne by the users themselves.
