One of the best things about the World Cup is that every fan becomes an expert.
Whether you're backing the favorites, hunting for dark horses, or confidently predicting a shock result that nobody else sees coming, the tournament has a way of bringing out the analyst in all of us. That's exactly why bet365's new World Cup Tournament Challenge feels like such a natural fit for the biggest sporting event on the planet.
Instead of simply watching the action unfold, players can put their soccer knowledge to the test throughout the tournament by making predictions, earning points, and competing for a share of a prize pool worth up to $250,000.
Don't have a Bet365 account? Sign-up for one today.
The best part? It's completely free to enter.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks into gear across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the Tournament Challenge offers fans another reason to stay invested from the opening match all the way through to the final.
Open Account Offer: Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets
Min Deposit: £5 – Expiry: 30 days – Min Odds: 1/5 (1.20)
← CLICK TO COPY
At first glance, the concept sounds simple.
Predict the outcomes of World Cup matches, collect points, and climb the leaderboard.
But the challenge becomes much more interesting once you dive into the details.
Not every correct prediction is worth the same number of points. The value of a pick is influenced by the odds before kickoff, meaning correctly identifying an upset can be far more rewarding than simply selecting a heavy favorite.
That changes the strategy entirely.
Do you play it safe and back the traditional powers like Brazil, France, England, and Argentina? Or do you take a chance on an underdog and try to make up ground on the competition with one bold prediction?
Those decisions are what make the Tournament Challenge so engaging throughout the month-long competition.
The 2026 World Cup is the biggest in history.
For the first time, 48 nations will participate, creating an expanded schedule featuring more than 100 matches.
For Tournament Challenge players, that's fantastic news.
More matches mean more opportunities to score points, recover from mistakes, and make strategic predictions. A poor opening week doesn't necessarily end your chances of success. Likewise, a hot streak during the knockout stages could send you soaring up the leaderboard.
Unlike shorter prediction contests, this is a marathon rather than a sprint.
Consistency often matters just as much as finding the occasional surprise result.
One of the standout additions this year is the ability to create private leagues.
Anyone who has ever participated in an office pool or a bracket challenge knows that bragging rights are often worth more than the prize itself.
The Tournament Challenge embraces that reality.
Players can create their own leagues and invite friends, family members, coworkers, or fellow soccer fans. Suddenly, every World Cup match carries a little extra significance.
That late equalizer in a group-stage game between two countries you rarely follow? It might be the goal that moves you ahead of your friends on the leaderboard.
The social aspect transforms the challenge from a simple prediction game into an ongoing tournament-long rivalry.
Part of the appeal comes from the fact that everyone approaches the World Cup differently.
Some fans spend months studying qualifying campaigns and squad announcements. Others make picks based on recent form, historical success, or simply a gut feeling.
Prediction games create a level playing field where every participant starts from the same position.
There's no complicated strategy to learn and no financial risk involved. Success comes down to understanding the tournament and making smart selections.
That simplicity is a major reason why free-to-play promotions continue to grow in popularity during major sporting events.
The World Cup, with its global audience and unpredictable results, may be the perfect tournament for this format.
Of course, the opportunity to win prizes certainly helps.
Bet365's Tournament Challenge features prizes throughout the competition, with players competing for leaderboard positions and a share of a prize pool that can reach as much as $250,000.
While many participants will be focused on outperforming friends in private leagues, the overall leaderboard provides a much larger target.
Every correct prediction has the potential to move players closer to the top of the standings.
And because points are awarded throughout the tournament, even late-stage matches can dramatically impact the final rankings.
If you're planning to take part, a few basic principles can improve your chances.
First, don't automatically select favorites in every match. Upsets happen at every World Cup, and correctly predicting one can provide a significant points boost.
Second, pay close attention to tournament situations. Teams that have already qualified for the knockout rounds may rotate players, while nations facing elimination often play with increased urgency.
Third, stay updated on injuries and suspensions. A key absence can completely change the outlook for a match.
Finally, think long-term.
Many players focus too heavily on individual fixtures when the challenge is really about accumulating points over dozens of matches.
Patience and consistency often win out over risky all-or-nothing approaches.
Open Account Offer: Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets
Min Deposit: £5 – Expiry: 30 days – Min Odds: 1/5 (1.20)
← CLICK TO COPY
The World Cup already delivers unforgettable moments, dramatic upsets, and stories that capture the attention of fans around the globe.
The Tournament Challenge adds another layer to that experience.
Suddenly, every group-stage fixture matters. Every upset becomes an opportunity. Every prediction carries consequences.
Whether you're competing against thousands of other players or simply trying to finish ahead of your friends, the challenge provides a fun way to stay connected to the tournament from start to finish.
For soccer fans looking to add an extra dimension to the 2026 World Cup without placing a traditional bet, bet365's Tournament Challenge could become one of the most entertaining free-to-play promotions of the summer.
18+ Always remember to gamble responsibly. Check out bet365’s Safer Gambling page for more details or go to GambleAware.org for advice, tools and support.
#AD Bonus Referrer Code is an affiliate of the brands we promote throughout this site. While we strive to maintain accuracy throughout our content, we do receive compensation for this promotion.
Check out our Premier League Scoreboard – A look back at the key results and games from the last Premier League weekend!
Predict your way to a prize of up to a £250,000 on bet365 6 Scores Challenge game!
Check out the top betting tips for Champions League Matchday 8 for all six English teams participating.
bet365 UCL Tournament Challenge – Get the lowdown on this free to play UCL game at bet365!
Worried about your gambling? When the fun stops – STOP!
