WC Prediction Game Rules 2026 (Template)

Clear rules prevent arguments. Settle once, before the 2026 World Cup, how predictions are made and scored, and you save yourself every later dispute. Here are the WC prediction game rules 2026 explained compactly — including a ready-made template to copy.

The key rules at a glance

• Deadline: every prediction stands until kickoff. After that it's locked.
• Scoring: points depend on the chosen model — in the default tiptilldone Classic, for the exact score and the correct winner.
• Match time: the result after 90 minutes (regular time) is scored.
• Tie-break: on equal points, the number of exact predictions decides, then the head-to-head or a coin toss.

Scoring: regular time vs extra time

This is the rule that causes the most trouble. Standard and recommendation: the result after regular time (90 minutes plus stoppage) counts, without extra time or penalties. That way every match is scored equally — a 1–1 in the knockouts stays a 1–1, even if penalties decide afterwards. tiptilldone scores knockout matches exactly this way by default.

Set the scoring system

When you create the round you pick the scoring system. The default is tiptilldone Classic (3 points exact, 1 point winner, goal difference ignored). If you prefer, choose Kicktipp (2 · 3 · 5), Tendency-heavy (3 · 4 · 5), Goal-difference (1 · 4 · 6) or Exact-only (0 · 0 · 6). The models with worked examples are in how prediction points are calculated.

Deadlines

The deadline is always kickoff. tiptilldone makes it easy: each of the 104 matches shows its kickoff time in your time zone, and the prediction locks automatically at kickoff. Nobody can "correct" after the fact.

Rules template to copy

Copy this sample block into your round or group chat and adapt it:

Rules of our WC 2026 prediction round

1. Predict the score of every match before kickoff.
2. Points (tiptilldone Classic): 3 for the exact score, 1 for the correct winner, goal difference ignored.
3. The result after 90 minutes counts (no extra time/penalties).
4. No prediction by kickoff = 0 points for that match.
5. On equal points at the end, the number of exact predictions decides. Good luck — and may the best prediction win!

This template works for any group; you can change the scoring in line 2 to another model if goal difference should count.

Which match time counts in a WC prediction game?

In the vast majority of rounds the result after regular time (90 minutes) counts. Extra time and penalties are not scored — and that's how tiptilldone scores by default.

Until when must you predict?

Until the kickoff of each match. With tiptilldone the prediction locks automatically at kickoff, shown in your local time zone.

The big picture is in the guide WC 2026 prediction game; the matching start guide is in create a WC 2026 prediction game for free.

---

Create a round with clear rules →