2026 FIFA World Cup prediction guide with a $10,000 prize pool.
The 2026 World Cup is here!
From 32 teams to 48,
from 64 matches to 104,
from one host nation to 16 stadiums across three countries in North America—
Predict the 2026 FIFA World Cup champion for a chance to win a $10,000 prize pool
How to enter:
Click the registration link button at the bottom, sign up for a JD account, then come back to the post on X and leave a comment with your account name and your prediction for the team that will win it all.
Back to the X post: View the original post on X
Example:
account name / Brazil
(your registered account name + the team you are predicting)
Prize pool:
The $10,000 prize pool will be split among everyone who correctly predicts the champion. That could be multiple winners, or it could be just you.
For example:
If you are the only person who gets it right, you win the full $10,000.
If five people, including you, correctly predict the champion, then the $10,000 will be split evenly, meaning each person gets $2,000.00.
First-time qualifiers / historic breakthroughs
Cabo Verde:
Qualified for the World Cup for the first time ever, becoming the third-smallest nation by population to reach the tournament. A true small-nation dream come to life.
Curaçao:
Set to become the smallest nation ever to appear at a World Cup. They went unbeaten in qualifying, and head coach Dick Advocaat, at 78, is set to become the oldest manager in tournament history.
Jordan:
Qualified for the first time, carrying the momentum and belief built from their run to the AFC Asian Cup final.
Uzbekistan:
The Central Asian powerhouse is finally making its World Cup debut, marking a major milestone for football in the region.
Big returns / long-awaited comebacks
Norway:
Back at the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, since 1998. Haaland was unstoppable in qualifying, scoring 16 goals and leading the charge.
Scotland:
A long-awaited return for one of Europe’s traditional football nations, back on the biggest stage alongside Norway.
Haiti:
Back at the World Cup for the first time in 52 years, since 1974. A real dark-horse story.
Czechia:
Ended a 20-year World Cup absence and came through the playoffs in style.
Iraq:
After years of waiting, Iraq booked their place by beating Bolivia in the playoffs, showing the resilience of the Lions of Mesopotamia.
DR Congo:
Came through the playoffs as well, bringing another exciting surprise from Africa.
Other major storylines
Morocco:
After being one of the standout stories of the last World Cup, Morocco are still going strong and became the first African team to secure a place at the 2026 tournament.
Ecuador:
Often described as a “golden generation,” with talent spread across top European leagues. Seventeen matches unbeaten and quietly building real dark-horse potential.
Qatar:
Qualified through the actual qualification process for the first time, rather than as hosts, showing how much the team has grown.
The 2026 World Cup is not just bigger.
It feels more open, more unpredictable, and more exciting than ever.
This is no longer a tournament for just the usual giants.
This is the whole world stepping onto the same stage.
So make your call—
who is going to be the champion of the world in 2026?