Competition
FIFA World Cup 2026 Prediction
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For the first time, the tournament expands to 48 teams, producing 104 matches across the group stage and knockout rounds. This competition invites you to put your data skills to the test by predicting match outcomes for every game in the tournament. Using machine learning, historical statistics, and soccer domain knowledge, you will predict match scores, corners, cards, and more. The scoring system rewards precision: an exact scoreline earns maximum points, while close predictions still earn partial credit. Matches in later rounds carry score multipliers, meaning a strong model that holds up in the knockout stages can leapfrog the competition. The challenge is designed to be difficult enough that no one can achieve a perfect score—even with AI assistance—but accessible enough that any data enthusiast can participate and score points.
Prize
Official FIFA World Cup jersey + Claude subscription
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By continuing, you accept our Terms of Use, our Privacy Policy and that your data is stored in the USA.Your challenge
- Predict the final score for every match — all 72 group stage games and all 32 knockout round fixtures.
- Predict corners, yellow cards, and red cards for each match, and the winning team in the group stage.
- Predict which teams meet in each knockout round, who wins each match, and whether it goes to penalties. Later rounds carry score multipliers — up to ×16 for the Final.
Prizes
1st
Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ jersey of your choice + 3 months Claude Enterprise Gift Subscription
2nd
Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ jersey of your choice + 3 months Claude Pro Gift Subscription
3rd
Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ bucket hat of your choice
How to get started
Use the prediction template in DataLab to fill in your match predictions for every 2026 FIFA World Cup fixture. Once you have completed your predictions, publish your notebook to submit your entry.
Judging criteria
This is an autograded competition. Points are awarded for correctly predicting match scores (25 pts), corners (10 pts), yellow cards (10 pts), red cards (5 pts), and match outcomes. All points are multiplied by the round factor — up to ×16 for the Final. Full scoring details are in the competition notebook.
Rules
- Entries to the competition take the form of a workbook publication. Make sure the competition publication is publicly visible in order to be entered into the competition.
- The competition is open to premium DataCamp subscribers, DC Donates, and Classrooms users.
- Only one entry per user. You may update your entry up to the deadline.
- All predictions must be submitted before June 11, 2026 at 09:00 UTC—the tournament begins that same day.
- Make sure all prediction cells are filled in. Empty or None values will score 0 points.
- Check that all cells in your notebook run without error before publishing.
- Make sure your competition workbook is published by the competition deadline in order for it to be valid.
- You can check the time left to submit on the counter at the top of this page.
Note: Please make sure you're 18+ years old and are allowed to take part in a skill-based competition from your country. The Claude Gift Subscription component of the prize is only available to winners based in an eligible country — see the full list at support.claude.com/en/articles/8461763-where-can-i-access-claude.
FAQs
How do I sign up?
How do I compete in DataCamp competitions?
You will create a data analysis based on the dataset provided. You will submit your ready-to-share notebook publication for a review by fellow DataCamp learners and the judging panel in accordance with the evaluation metrics created for the competition.
How long does a competition run?
The detailed information on the competition timeline can be found on the competition’s homepage. Most DataCamp Competitions include two deadlines: a submission deadline (after which no new submissions will be accepted), and a voting deadline (after which no new votes be counted towards final evaluation). It is very, very important to keep these deadlines in mind.
What makes a winning solution?
The winners will be selected based on the judging criteria provided in the description of each competition.
How will I get my prize? Are there any conditions?
We will contact each winner separately to agree on the best way to deliver the prize. The winners are responsible for any fees or taxes liable in your home country upon receiving the funds. Any relevant conditions will be stated in the Competition Rules and Terms of Use.
Are teams allowed?
Not yet, but we are exploring this opportunity for future competitions.