The 2026 World Cup is coming to the US, with matches stretching from LA to New York. While the USMNT gets ready, bet365 is running the WC26 Tournament Challenge for US bettors. It is completely free to play and has a prize pool of up to $250,000 in cash and Bonus Bets. Here is exactly how it works.
How to Play
- Find the game: Log into your verified bet365 account, go to the “Soccer” section, and find the game under the “Free Games” tab.
- Make your picks: Predict the outcome of the matches. If you want, you can use the “Auto Pick” feature to fill out your bracket automatically.
- Earn points: You get points on the leaderboard for every correct selection.
- Lock them in: You only get one entry. You can edit your picks as much as you want before a match starts, but the exact second a game goes live, your picks for that fixture are permanently locked.
The $250,000 Prize Pool
The total prize money across the tournament is capped at $250,000. This is divided between individual Matchday leaderboards and an Overall leaderboard.
Matchday Prizes
There are separate prize pools for Matchday 1, Matchday 2, Matchday 3, and the Round of 32. These payouts are processed right after the specific round ends:
- 1st Place: $50,000 in cash.
- 2nd Place: $10,000 in cash.
- 3rd Place: $2,000 in cash.
- 4th Place: $500 in cash.
- Positions 5th up to 100th place are rewarded with Bonus Bets.
Overall Tournament Prizes
This leaderboard tracks your points through the entire summer and pays out after the World Cup Final:
- 1st Place: $50,000 in cash.
- 2nd Place: $15,000 in cash.
- 3rd Place: $5,000 in cash.
- 4th Place: $3,000 in cash.
- 5th Place: $1,500 in cash.
- 6th to 20th Place: $400 in cash.
- Positions from 21st down to 10,000th place get Bonus Bets ranging from $150 down to $1.
If there is a tie for any leaderboard spot, the prize money for that position is shared equally among the tied players.
Legal and regulated in NJ and PA
Reviewed by , Oddsmaker
• Updated May 14, 2026
Bet365 Sportsbook
Expert Verdict:
A powerhouse for NFL and NBA fans. Take advantage of Early Payouts, elite Same Game Parlays, and the most sophisticated live betting app in the US.
Private Leagues
If you want to compete against people you know, use the ‘Your Leagues’ feature. This tool lets you create private leaderboards so you can track picks against your friends, family, or coworkers.
Rules & Eligibility
You must follow these state-level rules to play and claim your winnings safely:
- Age: You must be 21 or older, except in Kentucky where the minimum age is 18.
- Location: You must be physically located in AZ, CO, IN, IA, IL, KS, KY, LA (permitted parishes only), MD, MI, MO, NJ, NC, OH, PA, TN, or VA.
- Bonus Bets: If you win Bonus Bets, you cannot withdraw them directly. If you place a bet with them and win, the returns go to your cash balance, but the original Bonus Bet amount is not included in the payout.
- Taxes: You are fully responsible for any tax obligations and reporting in your jurisdiction. The prize values shown do not include tax deductions.
❓ bet365 US Tournament Challenge FAQ
How much does it cost to enter the bet365 predictor game?
How do I earn points in the bet365 Tournament Challenge?
Can I change my match predictions after making them?
What are the prizes for the bet365 World Cup game?
Where is the bet365 World Cup game available in the US?
Author:
LinkedIn
E-mail