The 2026 World Cup, expanded to 48 teams under Gianni Infantino’s leadership, is already demonstrating a positive impact on engagement, particularly in the betting sector. A recent report indicates an 80% surge in betting volume compared to the 2022 tournament, despite the increased number of matches. This substantial rise suggests Infantino’s gamble on expansion is resonating with fans and attracting wider participation. A betting expert confirmed the figures to AFP, highlighting the tournament's growing appeal to punters. The increased match schedule, a direct result of the expanded format, hasn’t dampened betting enthusiasm but rather fuelled it. This surge in betting activity points toward a potentially significant financial benefit linked to the larger tournament format. The findings offer early validation for Infantino's vision of a more inclusive and commercially successful World Cup.