To participate in the World Cup, soccer's premier competition, you must rank among the top players globally. For everyone else, Google offers a hidden game that mimics the excitement of scoring goals for your favorite team.

This game is accessible on mobile devices, letting you play wherever you carry your phone or tablet. Be cautious, though—it can be quite engaging, and there’s no need to wake up at 4 a.m., unlike some earlier matches held in Qatar, the 2022 World Cup host nation.

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Named Mini Cup, this game can be accessed through the Google app (available for Android and iOS) or via Google Search using any mobile or in-app browser. There are multiple ways to reach it:

• Launch the Google app, then search "World Cup."
• Open Google Search in any mobile or in-app browser, then search "World Cup."
• Speak "World Cup" to Google Assistant, then tap the Google Search button under the results to open the query in the Google app or an in-app browser.

You can also perform more specific searches like "World Cup 2022," "World Cup Scores," "World Cup Schedule," "World Cup Qatar," etc. If you already have a team in mind, searching for a particular match with them will reveal a direct shortcut to that game within Mini Cup.

Once results appear, look for a blue button with a soccer ball icon located in the lower right corner. Tap it.

Searching for a specific match takes you directly into that game (left screenshot below). Otherwise, the Mini Cup menu appears, displaying a list of matches and upcoming games; choose your matchup from the "Play" tab (right screenshot below).

Once inside the game, tap the flag representing the team you want to support. The screen will display a playing field featuring a goal and a cartoon goalie (either a pink cat, a blue dog, or an orange frog) at the top half. The bottom half shows a soccer ball.

Swipe upward on the ball in the direction you wish to shoot, ideally away from the goalie who continuously moves back and forth in front of the goal, increasing speed after every scored goal. A short swipe sends the ball gently, while a long swipe kicks it hard. Keep shooting until the goalie blocks you or until the ball goes outside the goal area.

At the end, your score will be displayed. You can share your score with others along with a link enabling them to jump straight into the same Mini Cup match. Alternatively, tap "Play Again" to retry—subsequent attempts track total goals and best scores until you exit the game.

Moreover, as you play, you can view each team’s national score. Naturally, this won’t influence real-world match outcomes, but it gives the feeling that you're contributing. Come on, team!

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Cover image, screenshots, and GIFs by Tommy Palladino/Gadget Hacks

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