What Is World Cup Survivor (Group Stage + Knockout)?
World Cup Survivor on Splash is a two-phase elimination contest that runs the full 2026 World Cup, from the opening group stage match on June 11 through the Final on July 19. Before the tournament begins, you pick 4 teams to survive the group stage. Then, starting with the Round of 32, you pick team(s) per knockout round until only one contestant is left standing.
The Quick Pitch
Pick 4 teams to survive the group stage, then pick teams per knockout round. You can't reuse any team you already picked.
Before June 11, you submit 4 teams you believe will advance out of the group stage to the Round of 32. Say you pick Brazil, Portugal, the United States, and Morocco. All 4 must advance, or your entry is eliminated. One wrong group stage pick and you're out before the knockout rounds begin. If all 4 survive, you move into the knockout phase. But here's the catch: those 4 teams are now used. By default, each team can only be picked once across the full contest. Brazil got you through the group stage, so Brazil is off the table for the Round of 32, the Quarterfinals, and beyond.
How the 2026 World Cup Format Works
The 2026 World Cup features 48 teams across 12 groups of 4. The top 2 teams from each group, plus the 8 best third-place finishers, advance, 32 teams total, into the knockout bracket.
The contest covers 6 rounds after the group stage: Round of 32, Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and the Final. The 3rd-place match is not included.
How World Cup Survivor Works, Step by Step
1. Enter before June 11 at 3pm ET. The entry deadline is locked at the kickoff of the first group stage match. No exceptions and no commissioner flexibility on this date.
2. Make your 4 group stage picks. Select 4 teams you believe will advance to the Round of 32. You can pick from any group, but no more than 3 from the same group can advance (top 2 automatic qualifiers + up to 1 best third-place finisher). Each team's modeled probability of advancing is shown on the pick sheet to help you decide.
3. Wait for the group stage to conclude. All 4 picks must successfully advance. One elimination knocks your entry out. If all 4 survive, you move to Phase 2.
4. Pick a team per knockout round. Starting with the Round of 32, select team(s) to win their match before each round's deadline. A win moves you forward. A loss eliminates your entry.
5. Manage your remaining teams carefully. The teams you used in Phase 1 are no longer available (if the team use limit is set to "once," which is the default). If you run out of eligible teams with no remaining unused options, your entry is eliminated.
6. Last entry standing wins. The prize pool is distributed to the winner or winners per the contest rules at the Splash Help Center.
The Critical Strategic Nuance: Phase 1 Picks Cost You Phase 2 Options
Most Survivor contestants think of their group stage picks as a warm-up. They're not. If the team use limit is set to "once" (the default), every team you use in Phase 1 is a team you cannot use in Phase 2. Using France or Brazil to get through the group stage means those teams are unavailable when the knockout rounds get serious.
The teams most likely to advance through the group stage are also the teams most likely to win knockout round matches. Spending them in Phase 1 is a real cost.
How to Enter on Splash
- Download the Splash Sports app (iOS or Android) or go to SplashSports.com
- Navigate to Contests and find the World Cup Survivor (Group Stage + Knockout) contest
- Select a contest and submit your entry
- Submit your 4 group stage picks before the deadline
- Return for each knockout round to submit your pick before the match locks
Enter our $2M World Cup Survivor
World Cup Survivor is available in 40+ states. Full contest rules are at the Splash Help Center.