WORLD CUP BRACKET CHALLENGE
Predict group standings and knockout bracket winners for all 48 teams. The more you get right, the more points you score.
HOW THE BRACKET CHALLENGE WORKS
The World Cup 2026 Bracket Challenge is a points-based prediction game where you forecast the outcome of the entire tournament — from group stage standings to the knockout bracket all the way through the Final. Unlike a survivor pool where one wrong pick eliminates you, the Bracket Challenge rewards accuracy across the entire tournament.
With 48 teams divided into 12 groups and an expanded 32-team knockout bracket, the 2026 World Cup offers more predictions and more opportunities to score points than ever before. Every correct pick earns points, and later-round picks are worth more.
At the end of the tournament, the player with the most total points wins the pool. It's the ultimate test of World Cup knowledge.
Group Stage Predictions
Predict the finishing order — 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th — for each of the 12 groups. That's 48 individual predictions. You earn points for every team you place in the correct position.
12
Groups
4
Teams per group
48
Total predictions
10
Max pts per group
Group Stage Scoring
Maximum 10 points per group (4+3+2+1). Maximum 120 points total for all 12 groups.
Deadline: All group predictions must be submitted before the first World Cup match (June 11, 2026).
Knockout Predictions
After the group stage ends, predict the winner of every knockout match — from the Round of 32 all the way through the Final. That's 31 picks total. Points increase with each round, so getting the later rounds right is crucial.
31
Knockout picks
5
Knockout rounds
8
Max pts (Final)
72
Max KO points
Knockout Scoring by Round
Maximum 72 knockout points (16+16+12+8+8+8+4). Grand total maximum: 192 points (120 group + 72 knockout).
Deadline: Knockout picks open after the last group stage match. All 31 picks must be submitted before the first Round of 32 match (June 28, 2026).
48-Team World Cup Format
The 2026 FIFA World Cup features an expanded 48-team format — up from 32 in previous tournaments. This means more groups, more knockout matches, and more bracket predictions than ever.
Group Stage
12 groups of 4 teams. Each team plays 3 matches. Top 2 per group plus the 8 best third-place teams advance.
Round of 32
32 teams compete in 16 matches — a brand new round for the World Cup.
Round of 16 → Final
Single elimination from R16 through Quarter Finals, Semi Finals, and the Final on July 19, 2026.
Why Golazo?
Full 48-Team Bracket
Predict all 12 groups and the complete 32-team knockout bracket — the most comprehensive World Cup bracket challenge available.
Play With Friends
Create a private bracket pool with friends, family, or coworkers. Share an invite code and compete on the leaderboard.
Free for Small Groups
Pools with up to 5 members are completely free. No credit card or app download required.
Progressive Scoring
Later rounds are worth more points. Getting the Final right is worth 8 points — rewarding deep tournament knowledge.
CREATE YOUR BRACKET POOL
Sign up free and start your World Cup 2026 Bracket Challenge in under 2 minutes.