World Cup Bracket Simulator for 2026
Updated:
A new, bigger FIFA World Cup is coming to North America this summer with 48 teams, 12 groups and a 32-team knockout tournament leading to the World Cup Final July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
You can create your own path with our 2026 World Cup Simulator.
How to Use the SBD World Cup Simulator Game
- Predict the Group Stage: Choose the first- and second-place teams in all 12 groups, as well as the top eight third-place teams. I would recommend picking all of your top two first, then going back to pick the eight third-place finishers.
- Navigate the Knockout Round: The simulator will take your 32 teams and place them into the expanded knockout round. Click your winners in each match, and they will advance through the bracket.
- Select Your World Cup Winner: Pick the 2026 FIFA World Cup champion.
- Save & Share: Click the share button to create a unique link and/or image of your completed bracket which you can share with your friends on social media, challenging them to create their own.
After you’ve filled out and shared your bracket, make sure to visit the best soccer betting apps and bet on the World Cup based on your picks.
2026 World Cup Predictions: What’s New?
The 2026 World Cup format is new, which presents some different challenges when predicting the tournament.
- The 48-Team Format: The World Cup field expanded from 32 to 48 this year. That gives us 12 groups instead of eight, with the top two teams from each advancing to the knockouts, as well as the top eight third-place teams.
- Expanded Knockout Round: With 32 teams advancing to the knockout phase, there is one more round to navigate on the way to the World Cup Final. In such a low-scoring sport, any extra single-elimination games can be a land mine for favorites who run into a well-disciplined team running a low block, or a World Cup underdog riding a striker on a hot streak.
- Favorites & Dark Horse Picks: The favorites are familiar names at the top of international soccer, as Spain, France, England, Brazil and Argentina are on top of World Cup futures odds. If you’re looking for a team outside of the favorites, consider picking Germany and Morocco to make deeper runs. You also can never count out the tournament hosts, which include the USA, Canada and Mexico this year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are 48 teams competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This is the first time the World Cup has had 48 nations competing, as the field expanded from 32.
Eight third-place teams will qualify from group play into the knockout stage based on their points and, if necessary to break a tie, goal differential. Goals allowed and goals scored will further help to break ties.
The 2026 World Cup Final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The World Cup Final will be played at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 19.
Evergreen Writer/Editor; Sportsbook Expert
With nearly two decades of experience in sports media, Paul Costanzo turned his professional attention to sports betting and online gambling in January of 2022. He's covered every angle of the industry since then, managing and creating content for PlayMichigan and The Sporting News, and now SBD.
