The group stage of the 2026 World Cup has drawn to a close, and the drama on the pitch has been matched only by the intensity of bet365’s Tournament Challenge.
As the tournament moves into the knockout phase, the competition has already seen some truly remarkable performances from our customers.
The scale of the Tournament Challenge has been unprecedented, with over 1.6 million entries submitted worldwide and more than 67,000 private leagues created.
Fans across the globe have been testing their football knowledge and competing for the top spot in what has proven to be one of the most unpredictable World Cups in history.
The group stages have served as a stark reminder that in football, anything is possible. The tournament has been defined by shock results that have kept fans on the edge of their seats.
From the Cape Verde’s defensive masterclass against Spain in a 0-0 draw, to Turkey conceding two goals to a spirited Australia side, the competition has defied expectations at every turn.
The drama continued as Ghana’s performance saw a goalless draw against England, and the footballing world was left stunned by Ecuador’s historic victory over Germany. Perhaps most notably, the early exit of Uruguay has sent shockwaves through the tournament, proving that no team is safe.
The global nature of the Tournament Challenge is reflected in our winners’ circle. We are delighted to congratulate our Matchday 1 and Matchday 3 winners, both hailing from Great Britain, while a lucky customer in Australia claimed the top prize for Matchday 2.
There were separate winners in Spain, Italy, Greece and Brazil where bet365 is hosting standalone competitions.
While the group stage is now behind us, the excitement is far from over. There is still everything to play for, with a £50,000 prize up for grabs for each remaining matchday. Customers can still sign up and join the action right up until the day of the World Cup Final.
Whether you are a seasoned football expert or a casual fan, there is still time to make your mark on the Tournament Challenge.
For more information and to enter, visit the bet365 Tournament Challenge page.
