The Best Prediction Games for Beginners in 2026

You have watched football for years. You have opinions. You regularly tell your mates that you knew that result was coming. And now you want to put those opinions to the test in a prediction game. The question is: which one?

The prediction game market has grown significantly over the past few years, and in 2026 there are more options than ever. Some are brilliant. Some are overcomplicated. Some are barely maintained. If you are new to this, picking the right game matters more than you might think - because the wrong choice can put you off before you even get going. The common mistakes beginners make are often compounded by playing on a platform that is confusing or poorly designed.

What makes a good prediction game for beginners

Before we look at specific options, let us talk about what actually matters when you are starting out. Not every feature that experienced players love is helpful for someone making their first predictions.

Simple scoring

The scoring system should be easy to understand within 30 seconds. If you need to read a three-page document to figure out how points work, the game is too complicated for a beginner. The best systems use a straightforward approach: exact score predictions earn more points than just getting the result right. That is it. No bonus multipliers, no complicated weighting systems, no points for predicting the first goalscorer alongside the scoreline.

Quick to play each week

A prediction game should take 5-10 minutes per gameweek, not 45 minutes. If you need to fill in transfer forms, set formations, pick captains, and make substitutions on top of your score predictions, that is fantasy football with extra steps. Good prediction games respect your time.

Social features that work

Prediction games are at their best when you play with people you know. Setting up a league with mates should be straightforward - send a link, they join, done. If inviting friends requires them to navigate a complicated signup process, half of them will not bother.

Mobile-friendly

Most people make their predictions on their phone, often while commuting or during a break. The game needs to work well on mobile - not just technically function, but actually feel good to use on a smaller screen. Tiny buttons and cluttered interfaces are deal-breakers.