<p>The global imperative to reduce carbon emissions has accelerated the integration of photovoltaic (PV)-based distributed generation (DG) into power distribution networks. However, uncoordinated DG placement can adversely affect system performance, including voltage instability and power losses. This study uses the World Cup Optimization (WCO) algorithm to propose an efficient methodology for distributed generation (DG) deployment, validated on the IEEE 33-bus radial distribution system. The aim is to curtail total real power losses and enhance voltage stability by identifying optimal locations for PV-based DG units. WCO, a metaheuristic inspired by the dynamics of international football tournaments, has shown promise in various optimization contexts but remains underutilized in DG planning. This study explores its potential to address DG placement as a global optimization problem. The performance of the distribution system is initially analyzed without DGs using a forward-backward sweep power flow method. Subsequently, WCO is employed to determine the optimal DG locations, and the results are benchmarked against those obtained using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), a well-established technique in power system optimization. Comparative analyses are conducted based on power loss reduction, voltage profile improvement, convergence behaviour, and computational efficiency. The MATLAB/Simulink simulation results validate that WCO outperforms PSO in terms of convergence speed and solution quality. The findings demonstrate that WCO is a robust and computationally efficient tool for placement of DG, offering a novel and effective approach to enhancing distribution system performance.</p>