Use rules that are easy to score by hand. Start from the current bracket tracker, then collect picks from a bracket that still has its source context attached. For the cleaner search-facing setup page, use the World Cup office pool bracket guide.
If your pool is using paper entries, open the printable bracket guide before you print. If you need a saved file, use the World Cup bracket PDF guide. If a matchup depends on a third-place pool, read the third-place tracker before treating that opponent as fixed.
Copyable rules
| Rule | Copy-ready wording | Source / evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Entry deadline | All picks lock before the first scored knockout match begins. | Operational rule, no external data used. |
| Pick format | Each player chooses a winner for every visible matchup and one champion. | Operational rule, no external data used. |
| Current bracket | Use the current Round of 32 snapshot before accepting entries. | ESPN bracket |
| Current table | Check the group table and third-place pool before accepting entries. | NBC Sports standings |
| Official schedule | Match times and official results are checked against the organizer schedule. | FIFA fixtures page |
| Fan status | The pool is independent and is not affiliated with FIFA or any tournament organizer. | Trademark-safety rule, no external data used. |
Simple scoring
Award the same score for every correct winner if you want the pool to stay casual. Use escalating round values only when every player agrees before entries lock.
For a casual group, simple scoring keeps the focus on the bracket instead of edge-case math. For a more formal group, write the source rule into the pool before entries lock: official fixtures decide match time and final result, while the tracker is the reading aid.
Tie break
Ask every player for a final score prediction. If the champion pick does not break the tie, use the closest final-score prediction.
For a public post or newsletter, cite the source notes or media kit instead of copying the pool rules by themselves.