The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to be the most-watched sporting event in history, with FIFA projecting that more than 6 billion people will engage with the tournament worldwide. For Africa, the opportunity is even greater, with a record nine nations qualified, driving unprecedented interest, engagement, and betting activity across the continent.
For African sportsbook operators, this presents a powerful acquisition opportunity, but also a critical strategic challenge. While experienced bettors will naturally engage, the World Cup brings a surge of casual and entertainment-led players who may only bet during major tournaments. Converting that audience into long-term value requires the right mix of product, content, technology, and post-tournament planning.
In this iGF Virtual RoundTable, leading figures from across the African sportsbook ecosystem come together to explore how operators can maximise the World Cup 2026 opportunity – not just during the tournament, but long after the final whistle.
By watching this essential roundtable, you will discover:
- How to maximise engagement with casual and entertainment-first bettors
- Strategies for retaining World Cup players post-tournament
- The growing importance and commercial role of e-sim games
- Managing global sporting events across multiple time zones
- Leveraging powerful sportsbook products to improve conversion and personalisation
- Content trends that resonate with African sports betting audiences



