FIFA 2026 World Cup FAQ
How many teams are in the 2026 World Cup?
48 teams compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expanded from 32 in previous tournaments, making it the largest World Cup in football history.
How does the 2026 World Cup group stage work?
The 48 teams are drawn into 12 groups of 4 teams each (Groups A through L). Each team plays 3 matches. The top 2 from each group (24 teams) advance, plus the 8 best third-place finishers, creating a 32-team knockout bracket.
How many matches are in the 2026 World Cup?
There are 104 matches total, including 72 group stage matches and 32 knockout matches (Round of 32 through the Final). The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Where is the 2026 World Cup hosted?
The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by three nations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. There are 16 host cities across the three countries, with the final at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.
How does Bucephus calculate match probabilities?
Bucephus uses a Poisson-based prediction model that factors in xG (expected goals), FIFA rankings, recent form, head-to-head records, and live match events. Probabilities update in real-time as matches progress.
What are Pulse Credits?
Pulse Credits are loyalty tokens used for predictions in Prediction Rooms. Credits are awarded based on your subscription tier: Freemium users get 100, Fan subscribers get 1,000, and Analyst subscribers get 5,000.
Can I use real money on Bucephus?
No. Bucephus is a prediction intelligence platform. Pulse Credits have no real-world value and cannot be purchased or cashed out. Fan forecasts are for entertainment and leaderboard competition only.
How does the prediction leaderboard work?
Users earn points for correct predictions. Points are aggregated on the Global Leaderboard. The top 10 users at any time may be required to complete identity verification to ensure fair competition.