Help centre
Frequently asked questions
Short, direct answers about the tournament, simulation results, saved progress and the different ways to play.
About the simulator
Is 256 TEAMS WC an official FIFA game?
No. It is an independent, unofficial football simulator created for entertainment. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by FIFA, UEFA, a league, association, club or player.
Why are there 256 teams if FIFA has 211 members?
The default field uses all 211 FIFA member associations and 45 clearly labelled guest sides to create a balanced 256-team knockout bracket. Read the field guide for the full explanation.
How many matches must the champion win?
Eight. The field halves in every round: 256 to 128, 64, 32, 16, 8, 4, 2 and then one champion.
Are the results predictions?
No. They are fictional outcomes from a simplified probability model. Team quality matters, but randomness, match settings, extra time and penalties can change an individual result.
Why did a much weaker team win?
The model deliberately allows rare upsets because it is a knockout simulator, not a ranking table. Realistic mode makes quality differences more consistent; Pure chaos produces substantially more volatility.
Playing and saving
Do I need an account?
No account is required for the main local simulator. An account is used for features such as cross-session achievements, profiles, challenge records and leaderboards.
Where is my tournament saved?
Main tournament progress and preferences are stored in your browser. Clearing site data, changing browser or using another device can remove or separate that local save.
Can I simulate a whole round?
Yes. Use the round controls to simulate remaining fixtures when you do not want to play each tie individually. Completed scores remain visible in the bracket.
Can I avoid seeing spoilers?
Yes. The match flow includes a spoiler shield that lets you preserve the score and match state until you choose to reveal the result.
What happens after the team I manage is eliminated?
Depending on the mode, you can continue neutrally, follow another remaining side or begin a fresh run. The tournament itself does not need to end when your selected country is knocked out.
Players, data and historical modes
Are all player names real?
No. Curated real-player pools are used for prominent teams and historical squads where available. The broader field can use deterministic fictional names so every match has readable scorers and events.
Are historical squads exact?
Retro modes are designed around the selected competition and use competition-specific squads, but errors and simplifications are possible. They are alternative-history simulations rather than official archives.
How are ratings chosen?
Profiles are curated for the game using several dimensions, including attack, midfield, defence, goalkeeping, depth, experience and discipline. They are not a copy of one official or live ranking feed.
Can I report an incorrect player or team?
Yes. Use the Feedback control inside the simulator or email mohamed@256teams.com with the team, player, mode and correction.
Online rooms and privacy
How do private rooms work?
A host creates a temporary room and shares its code or invitation link. Participants choose display names, complete the draft and follow a synchronized knockout. The host can close the room.
What information can other players see?
Room participants can see the display name you choose and relevant game actions. Signed-in usernames, profile countries and results may also appear on public leaderboards. Do not use private information in public names.
Does the site show advertising?
The site uses Google AdSense to support its operation and may use cookies or similar technologies for advertising, measurement and security. Details and controls are described in the Privacy Policy.