Read the Rules

Description

This is an online game to test your FIFA World Cup 2026 knowledge by predicting the results of all the matches. You will get awarded points for guessing who wins each match (local / visitor / tie), and even more points for guessing the exact final score of the match (more below). You also need to guess, before FIFA World Cup 2026 starts, who the champion, runner-up, and third place will be.

You are competing against all other players for glory and money. Whoever gets the most points at the end of the tournament wins!

One of the things that makes this polla (pool) so much fun is that you can edit your predictions however frequently you'd like... up until each match has started. This allows you to refine your predictions as you watch the teams play throughout the tournament.

To add to the excitement, once a match starts every prediction made by everyone playing is published so that you can follow along. Points and rankings are recalculated live as goals are scored. Even Saudi Arabia vs Cape Verde is a nailbiter when you play Polla 2026!

Rules

Basics

1. Anyone can play.
2. You may enter more than once, as long as you pay the entry fee again. You will need to use different email addresses.
3. In order to play, the entry fee must be paid before the first match of the tournament begins.
4. Predictions for champion, runner-up, third place must be submitted before the tournament begins.
5. Predictions for each match must be submitted before the match begins.
6. You can edit your predictions all you want, as long as the match hasn't started.

Point system

Predict the top 3 finishers of FIFA World Cup 2026 before the tournament begins:

1. Select who you think will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
2. Exact position match: 45 points. For example, you predict Mexico will win the tournament and they do.
3. Team reaches podium but in a different position: 15 point. For example, you predict Mexico 2nd but they come 1st.
4. Team doesn't reach the top three: 0 points.

Predict the score for each match. Points are multiplied by a round multiplier — later rounds are worth more:

1. Exact score: 3 pts × round multiplier.
2. Correct outcome (win / draw / loss) but wrong score: 1 pt × round multiplier.
3. Wrong outcome or no prediction submitted before kickoff: 0 points.

For knockout games, only the score after regular time counts. Extra time and penalties are not considered.

F.A.Q.

1. Why are you doing this?

   For fun. I love writing, running, and playing it. People who have played before love it too. It makes the tournament so much more fun.

2. What is up with the weird name and chicken motif?

   In some Spanish-speaking countries, a "polla" is a pool / betting game / "quiniela". But the literal translation is "female chicken".

3. How do we know "the admin" won't run away with all of our money?

   Everyone here is a friend or a friend of a friend. If you landed here randomly you are welcome to join. But if you have trust issues then you should not play.

4. I sent my payment but my name doesn't show up in the Leaderboard page. I AM FREAKING OUT

   Relax. Entering payment information is one of the few non-automated things in Polla 2026. It may take up to a day. As long as you send the payment before the first game starts, you are OK.

5. $40 is a lot of money! I have World Cup tickets to pay and mouths to feed in that order of priority. Why so expensive?

   Inflation. But if you can't afford it then you can play for free by inviting 5 friends to join. More information in the payments section.

6. $40 is too little! I want the prize to be larger because I plan to win. Why so cheap?

   It is a delicate balance. I want as many of my friends to join, not only those of you with a gambling addiction. But I also want the prize to be attractive. $40 is what I landed on.

7. A goal was scored and it's been over 8 seconds and Leaderboard is not updated. I AM FREAKING OUT

   Relax. Entering scores is the other non-automated thing in Polla 2026. Even our small contingent of soccer-loving volunteers fall behind once in a while. Please be patient.

8. Is it ok to use the same password as my bank account?

   Passwords are stored securely using Authentik's battle-tested off-the-shelf solution so even I cannot read them and all traffic is properly encrypted. With that said, please be safe and use a unique strong password.

9. Can "the admin" play?

   Hell yeah! I want in on the fun too! And since everyone can see all posted results, it's not like anyone can cheat.

10. Can I see/edit my predictions?

    Yes. Just go to the Predictions page.

11. What's the deadline for entering predictions?

    For your convenience, the deadline for entering winners and kickoff time for each match is right there in the Predictions page.

12. When entering my predictions, Round of 32 and onwards shows question marks. How do you want me to possibly predict those?

    As teams advance to the next round, we will update the Predictions page to show the teams properly.

13. What about extra time and penalty kicks?

    They are not considered. Only enter the predicted score for the regular time! This means that you could enter a tie for the Final, if you believe it will go to Extra Time.

14. I do not follow soccer and I think Pelé is an STD, can I still play?

    Of course! Odds are you will beat some soccer "experts" anyway.

15. OMG I found a bug! How do I report it?

    If something does not work as expected or you see any other mistake, click "Contact" on the bottom of the page to send me an email.

16. OMG I have a question that isn't listed here! How do I ask it?

    Click "Contact" on the bottom of the page to send me an email.