How does the 48-team format affect World Cup betting?

The expanded format creates 12 groups of four teams instead of eight. Two teams from each group qualify automatically, with eight best third-placed finishers also advancing. This means 32 of 48 teams reach the knockouts, fundamentally changing qualification probability calculations and creating new betting angles in group-stage markets.

What odds format do Irish bookmakers use for World Cup betting?

Irish bookmakers primarily display fractional odds (e.g., 5/1, 7/2, 11/8), the traditional format used in horse racing and sports betting across Ireland. Most licensed operators also offer decimal odds as an alternative, which you can toggle in your account settings.

Can I bet on the World Cup using a credit card in Ireland?

No. Under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024 and GRAI enforcement from February 2026, credit card deposits for gambling are banned in Ireland. This includes funding e-wallets with credit cards. Debit cards, bank transfers, and compliant e-wallet funding methods remain available.

What time will World Cup matches kick off in Ireland?

Most matches will fall between 5pm and 2am Irish Summer Time. Prime-time US fixtures including the final kick off at 9pm Eastern Time, translating to 2am in Ireland. Some afternoon fixtures will begin at 5pm or 8pm Irish time.

Is Scotland qualified for World Cup 2026?

Yes. Scotland qualified after topping UEFA Group A, ending a 28-year absence since France 1998. They were drawn into Group C alongside Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti.

What happened to Ireland in World Cup 2026 qualifying?

Ireland did not qualify. After finishing second in UEFA Group F behind Portugal, they faced Czechia in the playoff semifinal in Prague. After a 2-2 draw through extra time, Czechia won 4-3 on penalties, marking Ireland's third penalty shootout loss in major tournament qualifying.

Which bookmakers can I legally use for World Cup betting in Ireland?

Only bookmakers holding valid B2C remote betting licenses from the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) can legally offer World Cup betting to Irish residents. The licensing framework became fully operational in February 2026 under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024.

Privacy Policy — World Cup Edge

Last updated: 19 May 2026

This Privacy Policy describes how World Cup Edge (“we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, and shares information when you visit our website at iecdsacar.com (the “Site”).

Information We Collect

Information You Provide

We may collect information you voluntarily provide when you contact us, subscribe to newsletters, or interact with our content. This may include your name, email address, and any other information you choose to share.

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our Site, we automatically collect certain information about your device and your visit. This includes your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, pages viewed, and the dates and times of your visits.

Cookies and Similar Technologies

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How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

Provide, maintain, and improve our Site and services
Respond to your comments, questions, and requests
Send you technical notices, updates, and administrative messages
Analyse usage patterns and trends to enhance user experience
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Comply with legal obligations

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information in the following circumstances:

With service providers who perform services on our behalf, such as hosting, analytics, and email delivery
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In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

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Our Site may contain links to third-party websites and services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

Analytics

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Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements.

Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information, including:

The right to access the personal information we hold about you
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The right to request deletion of your personal information
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The right to data portability

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is completely secure.

International Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from the laws of your country.

Children’s Privacy

Our Site is not intended for children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the “Last updated” date.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us through the contact information provided on our Site.