Game Rules

WC26 Predict is a free, skill-based World Cup 2026 score prediction game. Players predict the exact final score of each group stage match (72 total) across all 48 nations in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Points are awarded based on the accuracy of predictions.

The game also includes an optional tournament winner prediction, made before the tournament begins, worth a 5-point bonus if correct.

Step 1: Register a free account at worldcup26.games. No payment is required.

Step 2: Visit the Predict page and enter your predicted scoreline for each group stage match. You can also pick your predicted tournament winner.

Step 3: Watch the live leaderboard update as match results come in throughout the tournament.

All registered players are automatically entered into the game on a free basis and appear on the Overall Leaderboard. No further steps are required to participate in the free game.

Predictions for each individual match lock 1 hour before that match's scheduled kick-off time. No changes can be made after a prediction locks.

All predictions must be submitted before the match in question. The earlier your predictions are in, the better — locked predictions cannot be changed even if kick-off is delayed.

The tournament winner prediction locks when the first group stage match begins.

Points are awarded automatically after each match result is confirmed:

Scoring rules apply equally to all players regardless of whether they have made a supporter contribution. Free and contributing players use the same prediction form, the same deadline, and are scored identically.

In the event of a tie in total points at the end of the competition, the tie-break order is:

• Most exact correct scorelines (highest wins)
• Most correct result predictions (highest wins)
• Correct tournament winner prediction (yes counts ahead of no)
• Earliest prediction submission timestamp

The live leaderboard updates after every match result. It shows all players ranked by total points and includes their number of exact scores, correct results, and their tournament winner prediction.

All registered players appear on the Overall Leaderboard. A separate Prize Leaderboard shows only players who have made a supporter contribution.

Players may optionally make a supporter contribution of £11.50. This is entirely voluntary and separate from the free game entry.

Players who make this contribution are recognised as supporter-contributors and are considered for prizes under the published prize structure. The top 10 supporter-contributors at the end of the group stage are eligible for prizes.

The prize fund is formed from supporter contributions and is allocated as follows:

• 50% — distributed to the top 10 supporter-contributors by points
• 50% — donated to Thurso and District Pipe Band

The winners' share (50% of the fund) is distributed across the top 10 in the following proportions: 1st — 35%, 2nd — 20%, 3rd — 15%, 4th — 10%, 5th — 7%, 6th — 5%, 7th–10th — 2% each.

No purchase is necessary to play the prediction game. The prediction game, scoring, and leaderboard placement are available to all players entirely free.

A separate knockout stage prediction game runs alongside the World Cup knockout rounds. The knockout stage has its own fresh leaderboard and its own separate prize fund.

The top 10 players from the group stage leaderboard automatically qualify for the knockout stage free of charge. All other players may enter the knockout stage free, or make an optional supporter contribution of £11.50 to be considered for knockout stage prizes.

The game is open to anyone aged 18 or over who registers an account.

One account per person. Multiple accounts are not permitted.

Employees, agents, or family members of the organisers are not eligible for prizes.

The organising body reserves the right to disqualify any participant who creates multiple accounts, uses automated tools to submit predictions, or acts in bad faith. Disqualified participants forfeit any prize recognition. Supporter contributions made by disqualified participants will not be refunded.

Prizes are awarded by Thurso and District Pipe Band as the organising body. Prize winners are confirmed at the end of the group stage. Payments are made no earlier than 1 hour after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final whistle and completed within 14 days of that point.

The organising body reserves the right to modify these rules in exceptional circumstances. Any material changes will be communicated via the app.