How does a World Cup prediction league work?

Everyone predicts the scoreline of each match before it kicks off. Points are awarded for getting the result or the exact score right, and whoever has the most points at the end wins. With Fanzone you predict once and your picks count in every league you join plus the global ranking.

How are prediction points scored?

A common system, and the one Fanzone uses, is 3 points for the exact score and 1 point for the correct result (win, draw or loss). Points are added up automatically from the real results.

Is the Fanzone World Cup predictor free?

Yes. You can predict every group game, start a private league with friends, and climb the global ranking for free. No money changes hands.

When do predictions lock?

Each match locks 15 minutes before its kick-off, so you can keep editing your picks right up to shortly before the game starts, but not after.

How to Set Up a World Cup 2026 Prediction League With Friends

Fanzone · 2 June 2026 · 2 min read

A prediction league is the World Cup game for the people who think they know their football. Everyone predicts the scorelines; points are awarded for getting the result right, and more for nailing the exact score. Here's how to set one up in minutes.

How the scoring works

A simple, proven system that rewards both nerve and knowledge:

Exact scoreline: 3 points
Right result (correct win/draw/loss, wrong score): 1 point
Wrong: 0 points

Highest total across the chosen fixtures wins, and gets to be insufferable about it.

Setting it up

Create a prediction leagueShare a link, everyone predicts, results auto-score from real matches.Start a league →

Create the league and you'll get a share link for players plus a private admin link.
Players predict the scorelines for the marquee fixtures. They get a personal link so they can come back and check their standing.
Points settle automatically from real results. No manual scoring, no disputes.

Tips

Lock predictions before kick-off so nobody sneaks one in late.
Share the leaderboard mid-tournament. A tight table keeps everyone refreshing.

Not sure your group's up for predicting every score?

If a full prediction league feels like a lot, a sweepstake is the lower-effort option (everyone just gets a random team), and the Guess the Team quiz is a fun way to settle who really knows their football:

Try the Guess the Team quizThree clues, getting easier. Name the team and chase the high score.Play the quiz →

Frequently asked questions

How does a World Cup prediction league work?: Everyone predicts the scoreline of each match before it kicks off. Points are awarded for getting the result or the exact score right, and whoever has the most points at the end wins. With Fanzone you predict once and your picks count in every league you join plus the global ranking.
How are prediction points scored?: A common system, and the one Fanzone uses, is 3 points for the exact score and 1 point for the correct result (win, draw or loss). Points are added up automatically from the real results.
Is the Fanzone World Cup predictor free?: Yes. You can predict every group game, start a private league with friends, and climb the global ranking for free. No money changes hands.
When do predictions lock?: Each match locks 15 minutes before its kick-off, so you can keep editing your picks right up to shortly before the game starts, but not after.