World Cup Predictions
Show HN: World Cup 2026 free family and friends prediction platform
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What is World Cup Predictions?
World Cup Predictions is a private prediction tournament platform designed for friend groups to run World Cup pools without any account creation. Users spin up a tournament in ten seconds by naming it, receiving a secret invite link and a separate admin link, then share the invite link in their group chat where friends pick display names and join instantly.
The tool is mobile-first with big tap targets and score-style numerals that work one-handed, auto-fetches official scores after each match to update the leaderboard automatically, and uses a hard-to-guess URL as identity instead of traditional sign-ups. It supports three distinct scoring categories that pay independently: match scorelines, knockout advancers, and outright futures, allowing casual pre-tournament punters to keep pace with tipsters who nail every score.
Key features include match scoreline scoring (6 points for exact score, 4 for correct goal difference, 2 for correct outcome, with knockout matches paying up to 3x), knockout advancer picks (pays regardless of regulation/ET/pens, up to 60 points across the bracket), and outright futures (Champion 25 points, runner-up 12, third 8, each group winner 3, plus podium-sweep bonus). The platform is ideal for group chats arguing over who will win, letting them settle predictions honestly through competitive scoring.
The tool is for football fans who want to run informal World Cup pools with friends, group chat administrators who need quick tournament setup, and anyone who has feelings about the 2026 World Cup but doesn't want to wrestle with spreadsheets. No admin work is required after creation since scores update automatically.
World Cup Predictions pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
Free — no ads, no subscriptions. The tool is completely free to use with no paid plans mentioned. All features including tournament creation, unlimited participants, three scoring categories, and automatic score updates are included at no cost.
World Cup Predictions pros
- No accounts required ever
- Tournament setup in ten seconds
- Single secret invite link for all guests
- Mobile-first design with big tap targets
- Works one-handed on the bus
- Auto-fetches official match scores
- Leaderboard updates automatically
- Three independent scoring categories
- Casual punters can compete with tipsters
- Admin link visible only to creator
- Display name selection on join
- Knockout advancer scoring pays regardless of match decision method
- Podium-sweep bonus for outright futures
- Score-style numerals for easy reading
- Bookmark URL as identity instead of login
World Cup Predictions cons
- Lose bookmark URL and must ask admin to re-add you
- Hard-to-guess URL identity may be confusing
- No traditional account recovery system
- Private pools only, no public tournaments
- Requires group chat to share invite link
- No desktop-optimized interface mentioned
- Tournament locked after first whistle June 11
- No mention of mobile app (web-only)
Frequently asked questions about World Cup Predictions
How do I start a World Cup pool?
Name your tournament, and the system mints a secret invite link plus a separate admin link only you see. Drop the invite link in your group chat, friends pick display names, and they're in. Total time: ten seconds.
Do I need to create an account?
No sign-up ever. Identity is a hard-to-guess URL you bookmark. If you lose it, you can ask the admin to re-add you to the tournament.
How does match scoreline scoring work?
You get 6 points for exact scoreline, 4 points for correct goal difference, and 2 points for correct outcome. Knockout matches pay up to 3x these amounts.
What are knockout advancers?
Pick who progresses each knockout match. This pays regardless of how the match is decided (regulation, extra time, or penalties). You can earn up to 60 points across the entire bracket this way.
How do outright futures scoring work?
Champion predicts pay 25 points, runner-up pays 12, third place pays 8, each group winner pays 3 points, and there is a podium-sweep bonus for predicting all correctly.
Does the leaderboard update automatically?
Yes. Official scores are fetched after each match, and the leaderboard updates itself without any admin work required.
Can friends join from their phones?
Yes, the platform is mobile-first with big tap targets and score-style numerals designed to work one-handed on the bus.
What happens if I lose my bookmark URL?
Since identity is the hard-to-guess URL rather than an account, if you lose it you must ask the admin to re-add you to the tournament.
Are there different ways to score points?
Yes, three ways: match scorelines, knockout advancers, and outright futures all pay independently. This lets a casual pre-tournament punter keep pace with someone who nails every Group A score.
When do predictions lock?
Predictions lock when the first whistle blows on June 11, 2026. You must make your picks from your phone before tournament start.