Last week, FIFA announced a multi-year deal naming ADI Predictstreet its first official partner in the prediction market category, with a global rollout planned ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to give fans interactive ways to forecast what happens on the pitch. The move lands as prediction markets business has turned into a volume engine for Robinhood Markets Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD).
According to the statement from FIFA, the platform is expected to go live worldwide before the tournament and will draw on FIFA’s official historical data to power match and tournament forecasting. The 2026 edition is slated for 48 national teams, 104 games, and 16 host cities spread across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
FIFA said ADI Predictstreet will be accessible through dedicated mobile and desktop apps throughout the World Cup, and that the system is built on ADI’s sovereign, institutional-grade blockchain. While FIFA’s announcement centers on football, it also noted the underlying technology is designed to extend into areas such as finance, technology, and other global events.
FIFA’s Bold Move Into Prediction Markets
FIFA said fans will be able to make forecasts spanning results, tournament metrics, standout performers, and in-game moments, with the goal of making viewing more interactive. ADI Predictstreet is also set to become the presenting partner for FIFA’s free-to-play bracket challenge, letting supporters map out how they think the competition will unfold.
That push arrives as retail platforms are already seeing heavy engagement in similar products. On Robinhood’s prediction market hub, Tenev said NBA-linked contracts have overtaken NFL-related activity, even after worries that the end of the 2025 football calendar would cool trading.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in the statement, “FIFA is committed to continually enhancing the fan experience and embracing innovation that brings supporters closer to the game.” Infantino added, “By partnering with FIFA, ADI Predictstreet will be introducing an exciting new way for fans around the world to engage with football, using insight and interaction to deepen their connection with our competitions.”
Lawmakers Scrutinize Prediction Markets’ Ethical Landscape
This announcement comes as the prediction markets landscape is facing scrutiny from lawmakers, with some expressing concerns about potential insider trading and ethical implications. Notably, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) labeled these platforms as “bad,” reflecting the mixed feelings surrounding their growth, particularly during the 2024 presidential election, supported by a favorable regulatory environment from the Trump administration.
As the industry evolves, the Coalition for Prediction Markets, backed by platforms like Kalshi, is actively engaging with lawmakers to promote regulation, highlighting a growing call for transparency amidst fears of corruption, which could impact the overall acceptance of such initiatives in major events like the FIFA World Cup. This context underscores the potential challenges and opportunities that FIFA’s partnership with ADI Predictstreet may encounter in the coming years.
Recent Comments