A Comprehensive Guide to bet365’s Free WC26 Tournament Challenge

Learn how to play bet365’s free WC26 Tournament Challenge, use the odds-based system, and compete for the £250,000 jackpot.

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ByLucas Portela
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Last Updated: 6 June 2026

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America, bet365 has released the WC26 Tournament Challenge. This is a free-to-play predictor game offering a total prize pool of up to £250,000. Developed in partnership with B2B game provider Incentive Games, the platform has been updated specifically to accommodate the structure of this international tournament.

Below is a comprehensive guide detailing the game’s mechanics, rules, and prize structure.

Mechanics and How to Play

The game requires users to predict match outcomes without placing real-money wagers. The process relies on the following four core mechanics:

  1. 1X2 Format: For every fixture within each Group Stage Matchday and Knockout Phase, users must predict the correct match outcome. The game utilises the standard betting format:
    • 1 = Home Win
    • X = Draw
    • 2 = Away Win.
  2. Odds-Based Staking System: Users are allocated a virtual 10 points per fixture to assign to their selected outcome. If the prediction is correct, these points are multiplied by the actual odds displayed within the game. Consequently, correctly predicting outcomes with longer odds yields a higher point return.
  3. Daily Double: During every Matchday or Knockout round, users can select exactly one fixture where their potential points return is doubled.
  4. Phased Predictions: Users cannot complete the entire tournament bracket in advance. Selections must be made in phases; once a Matchday or Knockout round concludes, users must log back into the platform to submit their predictions for the subsequent phase.

Leaderboards and Prize Structure

Points accumulated from correct selections dictate a user’s global ranking. To manage the length of the tournament, the prize pools are divided into two categories:

  • Round-Specific Leaderboards: There are dedicated leaderboards for Matchdays 1, 2, and 3, as well as the Round of 32. This provides users with a reset point and a separate prize pool for each specified phase.
  • Overall Standings: In addition to the round-specific prizes, all points accumulated throughout the competition contribute to the overall tournament standings. These final standings determine the payout for the main £250,000 jackpot.

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Private Competitions: ‘Your Leagues’

Alongside the global leaderboards, bet365 and Incentive Games have integrated a ‘Your Leagues’ feature to allow for private competition. Users can create custom private leaderboards, generate a unique access code, and share it with friends or colleagues to track and compare scores directly.

Eligibility: The WC26 Tournament Challenge can be accessed via the Free Games section by UK residents holding a verified bet365 account – create my account.

❓ bet365 WC26 Tournament Challenge FAQ

Do I have to pay to play the bet365 WC26 Tournament Challenge?

No, the game requires no real-money wagers. It is a completely free-to-play predictor game where you can still win a share of the £250,000 jackpot.

How does the scoring system work in the bet365 challenge?

You receive a virtual 10 points per fixture to allocate to a match outcome. If your prediction is correct, your points are multiplied by the actual odds displayed in the game.

Can I predict all the tournament matches at once on bet365?

No, predictions must be made in phases. Once a specific Matchday or Knockout round concludes, you must log back in to submit your predictions for the subsequent phase.

What is the bet365 ‘Daily Double’ feature?

The ‘Daily Double’ is a feature available in every Matchday or Knockout round that allows you to select exactly one fixture where your potential points return is doubled.

Can I create private leagues with friends on the bet365 platform?

Yes, the game includes a ‘Your Leagues’ feature. This enables you to generate a unique access code to create custom private leaderboards for your friends or colleagues.

Author:

Lucas Portela

Lucas Portela

Owner, BoldGambler • Avanhandava/SP

Oddsmaker, affiliate and content creator in the iGaming industry.