# Bracket Predictor Overview

The FanHQ26 **Bracket Predictor** (/bracket) is a free, no-signup tool that lets fans fill the entire 2026 World Cup knockout bracket from the new **Round of 32** through the Final. Picks save to the device via localStorage and a champion-share card unlocks when the Final winner is locked in.

## 2026 Bracket Format

2026 is the first **48-team** World Cup. The format produces a 32-team knockout: the top two from each of the 12 groups (24 teams) plus the **8 best third-placed teams** advance. The knockout flow is **Round of 32 → Round of 16 → Quarter-finals → Semi-finals → Third-place play-off → Final**, totalling 39 knockout matches and 104 matches across the whole tournament.

## How It Works

The R32 is pre-seeded with the real group winners + runners-up + the first eight third-placed teams as placeholders. Tapping a side picks the winner of that match; the next round's slot fills automatically with the chosen team. Picking a different winner downstream clears all later rounds involving the prior pick. The champion card shows the lifted trophy.

## Sharing

A **"Your World Cup 2026 champion: [Team] 🏆"** card unlocks at the Final stage with WhatsApp, X, Facebook, Telegram, LinkedIn, and Copy share buttons. The share URL routes to the chosen champion's team page (/teams/[slug]).

## Final Venue

The 2026 World Cup Final is at **MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey** on **Sunday July 19, 2026**. The opening match is Mexico vs South Africa at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, on June 11.

## Notes

The Bracket Predictor is **free** and requires no account. As MD3 unfolds and third-placed teams are confirmed, fans can return and update their picks. The tool is **independent fan content** for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and not affiliated with FIFA.