Overview
Splash Sports is offering two World Cup Survivor contest templates for the 2026 World Cup. Here's a quick side-by-side breakdown to help you decide which format is right for your group.
Template Comparison
Template 1: Group Stage + Knockout Stage
A two-phase contest covering the full tournament from start to finish.
Phase 1: Pick 4 teams to advance out of the Group Stage. All 4 must advance or your entry is eliminated.
Phase 2: Pick 1 team per round in the knockout bracket to win their match.
Entry deadline: June 11, 2026 @ 3:00 PM ET — locked, no flexibility.
Best for: Groups who want the full tournament experience from day one.
Template 2: Knockout Stage Only
A single-phase contest starting at the knockout bracket — similar to the March Madness Survivor format.
How it works: Pick 1 team per round to win their match. A correct pick advances you; an incorrect pick eliminates you.
Entry deadline: Flexible — commissioners choose from 6 options between June 28 and July 3.
Best for: Groups who want to start fresh at the knockout stage, or who want more flexibility in when the contest opens.
Key Settings Differences
Setting | Group Stage + KO | KO Only |
Group Stage Picks | ✅ Yes (4 teams) | ❌ No |
Flexible Entry Deadline | ❌ Locked to June 11 | ✅ Yes (6 options) |
Pick Deadline Options | ❌ Each game start only | ✅ Each game start or first game of round |
Double Pick Rounds | ✅ R32, R16, R8 | ✅ R32, R16, R8 |
Team Use Limit | ✅ Once / Twice / Unlimited | ✅ Once / Twice / Unlimited |
Entry Lives | ✅ 1, 2, or 3 | ✅ 1, 2, or 3 |
Automatic Picks | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Buybacks / Entry Revivals | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (R16 deadline) |
Contest Revival | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Tiebreaker | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (goal difference) |
Split Pot | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
What Pick Scoring Is Used?
Both templates use Straight Up scoring only — picks are graded on which team wins, with no point spread or against-the-spread option.
Questions? Email support@splashsports.com.