Polymarket vs Kalshi
Polymarket and Kalshiare the two best-known prediction markets, and both let you trade shares in the outcome of real-world events at a price that reflects its probability. Polymarket is a large global market with a very broad range of topics (including the 2026 World Cup); Kalshi is a US-regulated event exchange focused more on economics and news. Here’s how they compare for trading the World Cup.
Polymarket vs Kalshi at a glance
| Polymarket | Kalshi | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Large global prediction market | US-regulated event exchange (CFTC) |
| How you trade | Buy/sell shares priced 1¢–99¢ | Buy/sell event contracts, similar pricing |
| Market range | Very broad: politics, sport, crypto, culture | Broad, with a strong economics/news focus |
| 2026 World Cup markets | Yes: winner, groups, top scorer, matches | Varies; check current listings |
| Fees | No fee on most markets (check current terms) | Trading fees apply (check current terms) |
| Welcome offer | Deposit $20, get a $50 trading bonus | Varies |
Details change, so confirm current fees, markets and availability on each platform.
Which should you use for the World Cup?
For the 2026 World Cup specifically, Polymarket lists the deepest set of markets: the tournament winner, group winners, the top scorer and individual matches. The welcome offer (deposit $20, get $50)gives new users extra to trade with. If you mainly trade US economic and news events, Kalshi’s regulated exchange is worth a look too. New to prediction markets? Start with what prediction markets are and our guide to trading the World Cup.
Frequently asked
What is the difference between Polymarket and Kalshi?
Both are prediction markets where you trade shares in the outcome of real-world events. Polymarket is a large global market with a very broad range of topics including the 2026 World Cup; Kalshi is a US-regulated event exchange with a strong focus on economics and news. Pricing works similarly on both: a share's price reflects the implied probability of the outcome.
Is Polymarket or Kalshi better for the World Cup?
For trading the 2026 World Cup, Polymarket lists deep markets on the tournament winner, group winners, the top scorer and individual matches, and new users get a $50 trading bonus on a $20 deposit. Always check each platform's current listings and terms for your location.
Is there a Kalshi alternative?
Polymarket is the most popular alternative to Kalshi, with a broader set of markets and no trading fee on most of them. Check current availability and terms for your region before signing up.
18+. Prediction-market availability and terms vary by location. This page contains an affiliate link to Polymarket. Comparison is for general information; verify current details on each platform.