We originally published this just before kick-off. Now that the group stage is coming to an end and the knockout rounds are almost here, we’ve refreshed the post to match − updated poll questions, a countdown to the grand final, and a new way to use Image Map as the tournament heats up.
The sweepstake spreadsheets are already circulating. The group stage is in full swing, the knockout rounds are just around the corner, and − let's be honest − productivity has taken a cheerful nosedive. This happens every four years and there's nothing you can do to stop it, so you might as well lean in.
The good news: there's still plenty of tournament left. If your campaign page isn't live yet, now is the perfect time. And if it is − here are a few ideas to keep the momentum going all the way to the final.
A takeover that doesn't look like a SharePoint page
First impressions matter. The Welcome app lets you swap in a themed hero component with tournament colors, decent imagery, and key information such as upcoming fixtures. You can target different content by region if your workforce's allegiances span a few continents, which they usually do.
With a little bit of ‘power user development’ the page feel will stand out from the standard SharePoint look and feel. In this example, we used a custom template that really amps up the excitement for the upcoming World Cup. If you’d like to create a fully bespoke experience like this, get in touch with us!
First impressions set the tone − make sure yours is memorable.
Polls to start the arguments (in a good way)
Who makes the semis? Who goes all the way? Is it, against all available evidence, finally coming home?
The Poll app lets you drop a quick vote on the page before each matchday. Results go live as people vote. A debate appears in Teams within the hour. You didn't have to do anything except write the question.
You're not limited to match predictions either. Best kit. Biggest shock. Most dramatic exit. he opinions won't run dry until the final whistle − we promise.
A daily poll gives people a reason to check back − and bragging rights if they get it right.
The knockout rounds deserve their own countdown
The group stage drama is almost done. Now comes the part where things get genuinely nerve-wracking − and a countdown to the grand final is exactly the kind of thing that keeps the campaign page feeling alive.
The Countdown Calendar app adds a live countdown ticking down day by day (and hour by hour, and minute by minute) to the grand final on July 19th. It takes minutes to set up and quietly reminds everyone that the biggest match of the tournament is coming, whether they're ready or not. Small touch. Surprisingly effective.
A live countdown to the grand final keeps the energy building all the way to July 19th
An interactive stadium guide
The Image Map app lets you drop a clickable world map onto the page. Link each country to a team profile, group stage breakdown, match schedule, whatever you've got. People will click around it for no reason other than the fact that it's there.
In this example, we used Image Map to show the locations of the stadiums where the tournament matches will be played.
As the tournament moves into the knockout rounds, swap the map for a bracket view − link each stage to the relevant fixtures and let employees track their teams all the way to the final. It's a simple update that keeps the campaign page feeling current without rebuilding anything from scratch
Give employees something to click − an interactive map beats a wall of text every time.
Let's get this page live
All four of these apps, Welcome, Poll, Countdown Calendar, Image Map, are part of the Accelerator 365 catalogue. They drop into SharePoint with minimal IT involvement, and with the knockout rounds just kicking off, there's still plenty of tournament left to make it worthwhile.
If you want to take it further − match-day alerts, a sweepstake noticeboard, personalized content for fans of specific national teams − there's more in the Accelerator 365 suite that fits right in. And of course, there’s a free 60-day trial from the SharePoint Store if you want to try before you buy.
