Step-by-step plan to launch your company World Cup game

Launching an office World Cup game doesn’t need a project board. It needs a crisp plan that removes friction and maximises participation. Use this pragmatic 7-step blueprint.

Step 1 — One-line objective & visible sponsor.
Write the “why” in a single sentence and ask a senior leader or People & Culture sponsor to post the invite personally. A recognised voice boosts sign-ups.

Step 2 — Pick one format.
Clarity beats choice. Go with match-by-match predictions (most inclusive) or fantasy squads for a more football-interested crowd. If you’re curious about fantasy but unsure, run a small pilot group alongside the main predictions league.

Step 3 — Create the league & set deadlines.
Spin up your company league; add sub-leagues only if they add clarity. Check that auto-lock before kick-off is enabled and confirm the first deadline in UK time. Upload a simple generic header image (avoid official crests/logos).

Step 4 — Prepare onboarding.
Every invite should include:

1. A direct join link.
2. Three steps: click → register → make first picks.
3. The first match deadline (day, date, time, timezone).
   Add a one-pager or three annotated screenshots for those who like visuals.

Step 5 — Four-message launch mini-campaign.

• Teaser “Our World Cup game is coming ⚽️ — who’s in?”
• Invite Link + 3 steps + deadline.
• Reminder “Last chance to enter before kick-off.”
• Updates Weekly top 10 + “boldest prediction”.

Step 6 — Light-touch community tactics.
Open a Teams/Slack channel, encourage tasteful GIFs, run quick polls (1–X–2), and share a Friday leaderboard image. Award tiny digital badges: “Draw Whisperer”, “Exact-Score Sniper”, “Giant-Killer”.

Step 7 — Finish with recognition.
Share the podium, shout out comeback stories and newcomers, say thanks, and invite feedback for next time. Post a “Hall of Fame” image with the top 10.

Copy-and-paste templates

• Email subject: Join our World Cup office game
  Body: “Jump into the [Company] league, make your picks and follow the live table. No football expertise needed — instinct and luck are welcome! Join here ▶ [link]. Three steps, one minute.”

• Teams/Slack reminder:
  “⏰ Last day to enter today’s picks. Fancy a brave 1–0? Join: [link]”

• Weekly post:
  “🏅 Top 10 this week — big leap from [Name]! New fixtures, new chances.”

Avoid these pitfalls: too many formats, long messages, fuzzy deadlines, rewarding only the podium, forgetting mobile users. Nail the basics and the experience runs itself.