FIFA World Cup 2026

What is this?

Welcome to the Utelize & Tek Express FIFA World Cup 2026 Knock-Out - the only competition where Uzbekistan could make you a winner.

Each player has been randomly allocated one team from the top 38 ranked nations in the tournament. Your job is simple: cheer loudly, pretend you knew they were good all along, and hope your team makes it further than everyone else's. No entry fee, no financial prize - just the eternal glory of being the last one standing.

How were teams allocated?

38 teams were selected from the 48 in the tournament - the top 38 by FIFA ranking. The bottom 10 were removed to improve the overall quality of the draw and give everyone a genuine chance of going deep into the tournament.

Each participant was then randomly allocated one team each. One draw, one team, completely random. The draw decided everything - not us.

Yes, someone got Spain. Yes, someone got Ghana. That's football.

How do I win?

Last team standing wins. It's that simple.

If your team wins the World Cup on 19 July in New York, you win the knock-out competition. If all your teams get knocked out before then, you join the proud tradition of tournament disappointment that most England fans know all too well.

In the unlikely event that two players both have a team in the final, the winner is whoever's team lifts the trophy. If somehow you hold both finalists - buy a lottery ticket immediately.

When does it all happen?

The group stage runs from 11 June to 28 June. 48 teams, 12 groups, 4 teams per group - the top two from each group plus the 8 best third-place finishers go through to the Round of 32.

The knockout rounds run from 29 June all the way to the Final on 19 July in New York/New Jersey.

Most matches kick off between 5pm and 11pm UK time, though some West Coast games run as late as 5am BST. Brace yourself for a few alarm clocks.

How is this page updated?

Results will be updated soonish after each match - it won't be instantaneous, so please bear with us. The leaderboard will reflect the latest standings once we've had a chance to log the scores.

Group stage eliminations are confirmed once all group matches are complete. The 8 best third-place teams also go through, so don't panic if your team finishes third - they might still be in it.

What do I win?

The winner gets a Friday afternoon off — to be booked and approved in the usual way. Six weeks of tournament football, and that's what's on the line. Respect it accordingly.

Glory, bragging rights, and the eternal satisfaction of knowing your football knowledge had absolutely nothing to do with it.