Who are the best players to sign for your World Cup Fantasy 2018 squad? We’ve dedicated the last month to answering that question for you in tremendous depth.
We’ve gone over all 736 Fantasy options available for this summer’s finals to discover what chances they have of impressing in Russia.
So immerse yourself in every bit of our research below and make sure you click through to our articles analysing each team in detail.
We’ll be updating this page right until the tournament kicks off.
WHAT CAN I READ ABOUT RIGHT NOW?
- How to play McDonald’s FIFA World Cup Fantasy
- Best budget defenders
- Best budget attackers
- Predicted line-ups for every team
- Group A – full analysis
- Group B – full analysis
- Group C – full analysis
- Group D – full analysis
- Group E – full analysis
- Group F – full analysis
- Group G – full analysis
- Group H – full analysis
COMING SOON:
- Who takes the set-pieces of every World Cup nation? (Members only)
How to play McDonald’s FIFA World Cup Fantasy
For this year’s major tournament there are lots of similarities with Fantasy Premier League, but still a few differences.
We’ve gone over the rules to help you understand:
- Team selection
- Substitutions
- Points-scoring
- Transfers
- Deadlines
- Chips
Find out how to play the game HERE.
Best budget Defenders for your World Cup Fantasy team
Egypt, Peru, Iceland, Sweden and Denmark all earn some time in the spotlight in our research on budget defenders.
There are some modestly priced members of their squads who look capable of clean sheets, goals and assists.
- Find out more HERE.
Best budget Attackers for your World Cup Fantasy team
Russia, Peru and Australia have some of the most appealing budget attackers in their sides.
They have some well-priced midfielders and forwards who have good form and decent fixtures to look forward to at the World Cup.
- Find out more HERE.
Predicted line-ups for every World Cup team
We’ve predicted every single opening game line-up after weeks of extensive research into every World Cup nation.
Hopefully our database will help you pick your squad!
- Find out more HERE.
The Complete Guide to Group A
RUSSIA
World Cup Fantasy managers are encouraged to focus on Russia’s midfield and attack for their Group A matches, with Alexandr Samedov (£7.5m on McDonald’s FIFA World Cup Fantasy) and Fedor Smolov (£8.0m) the key targets.
The hosts’ defensive record has been poor recently as they are currently suffering the worst injury crisis their back-line has ever seen.
Results against Austria and Turkey haven’t gone as Russia would have liked and the hosts are now winless in seven ahead of Thursday’s opener.
- For data on Russia‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
SAUDI ARABIA
Saudi Arabia’s best chance of Fantasy points is against Russia in the opening game of the World Cup.
Fantasy managers searching for cheap differentials should look to Taissir Al-Jassim (£5.5m) or Mohamed Al-Sahlawi (£6.5m) with Saudi Arabia giving Germany quite a scare in their final warm-up match.
- For data on Saudi Arabia‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
EGYPT
Egypt’s success at the World Cup will depend entirely on the health of Mohamed Salah (£8.5m).
Without him in their side they have been largely ordinary in their warm-up games.
- For data on Egypt‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
URUGUAY
Uruguay’s squad is chocked full of essential assets for World Cup Fantasy.
Luis Suarez (£10.5m) and Edinson Cavani (£9.5m) are certain to get goals while Diego Godin (£5.5m) looks set for clean sheets and attacking threat of his own.
- For data on Uruguay‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
The Complete Guide to Group B
PORTUGAL
World Cup Fantasy managers should look to Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.0m) and Bernardo Silva (£8.0m) when looking to cover Portugal.
Although some impressive performances from youth players have caused potential rotation during their Group B matches.
- For data on Portugal‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
SPAIN
David Silva (£9.5m) looks like an essential World Cup Fantasy asset based on his record for his country of late.
There appears to be great value on offer in Isco (£8.5m) too amid a whole host of big names on Spain’s roster.
- For data on Spain‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
MOROCCO
With Morocco being dealt a tough draw in Group B, going in on set-piece takers Hakim Ziyech (£7.0m) and Mbark Boussoufa (£6.0m) is perhaps the only way to invest in this nation.
But the Atlas Lions have been recording impressive results in the build-up to the World Cup…
- For data on Morocco‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
IRAN
Like Morocco, Iran have been dealt a tough draw but there are some interesting differentials on offer in their ranks.
Sarder Azmoun (£8.0m) and Mehdi Taremi (£7.0m) are the chief of those but there are plenty more…
- For data on Iran‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
The Complete Guide to Group C
FRANCE
Antoine Griezmann (£10.0m) and Kylian Mbappe (£9.0m) headline the wealth of Fantasy options on offer in France’s squad.
The two forwards have been scoring for fun in the build-up to the World Cup and their midfield colleagues look effective too.
- For data on France‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
AUSTRALIA
Mathew Leckie (£6.0m) represents the most efficient budget attack option available as far as Australia are concerned.
Despite three of his forward colleagues being priced more than him, the Hertha Berlin man has been involved in more goals than any of them in the build-up to the World Cup.
- For data on Australia‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
PERU
Peru’s World Cup chances will rely heavily on the talismanic figures of Paulo Guerrero (£7.5m) and Jefferson Farfan (£7.0m).
But there are also key players in defence while midfielder Christian Cueva (£6.0m) looks a threat as a set-piece taker. Peru are on quite the run of form too.
- For data on Peru‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
DENMARK
Christian Eriksen (£9.0m) is practically the only World Cup Fantasy option worth considering from Denmark.
The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder is well-clear of his compatriots for goal involvements ahead of the World Cup.
- For data on Denmark‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
The Complete Guide to Group D
ARGENTINA
Despite the wealth of talent in Argentina’s squad, the only player expected to perform from a Fantasy perspective this World Cup is Lionel Messi (£12.0m).
But with the rest of the squad having difficulties matching his level, is £12.0m worth spending on the Barcelona man?
- For data on Argentina‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
ICELAND
Midfielders Gylfi Sigurdsson (£8.0m) and Johann Berg Gudmundsson (£6.0m) are the players to look to when considering Iceland.
Between them they are the creative hub of the tiny island nation, while Kari Arnason (£5.0m) can offer goals and assists from defence.
- For data on Iceland‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
CROATIA
Luka Modric‘s (£9.0m) new advanced role with Croatia make him the standout Fantasy option this World Cup.
However, off-the-field issues may have too much of a detrimental effect on the squad as a whole as they hope to get out of Group D.
- For data on Croatia‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
NIGERIA
Victor Moses (£7.5m) has been classified as a forward by McDonald’s FIFA World Cup Fantasy and has attracted some interest from managers.
However, the main appeal of Nigeria’s squad is the bargain prices available in defence and in goal.
- For data on Nigeria‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
The Complete Guide to Group E
BRAZIL
Brazil have the best squad at the World Cup from a Fantasy perspective with goals, assists and clean sheets looking likely throughout all positions.
Neymar (£12.0m) is the most expensive but Gabriel Jesus (£9.0m), Philippe Coutinho (£9.0m), Paulinho (£8.5m) and Danilo (£5.5m) all look fantastic options too.
- For data on Brazil‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
SWITZERLAND
Switzerland’s best World Cup Fantasy options are in the attacking full-back area.
Both Ricardo Rodriguez (£5.5m) and new Arsenal signing Stephan Lichsteiner (£5.5m) could provide great value in Russia.
- For data on Switzerland‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
SERBIA
Dusan Tadic (£8.0m) is the headline option among Serbia’s players for his set-piece responsibilities while Alexandr Mitrovic (£7.5m) is in great form.
We also discussed in our article on Serbia whether or not Luka Milivojevic (£6.0m) can continue his Fantasy Premier League form at the World Cup.
- For data on Serbia‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
COSTA RICA
Joel Campbell (£7.0m) appears the best player Costa Rica have on offer this summer, as he hopes to replicate his form from four years ago.
- For data on Costa Rica‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
The Complete Guide to Group F
GERMANY
Defence appears to be where Germany’s best World Cup Fantasy options are with Joshua Kimmich and Jonas Hector (both £6.5m) offering goals and assists.
Meanwhile, experience World Cup goal-scorer Thomas Muller (£9.5m), who has five goals in both of his last two finals appearances, is a midfielder on McDonald’s FIFA World Cup Fantasy – and therefore demands our attention.
- For data on Germany‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
MEXICO
Javier Hernandez (£8.5m) and Hirving Lozano (£8.0m) are considered the most likely Fantasy options to get on the scoresheet for Mexico at this World Cup.
- For data on Mexico‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
SWEDEN
Penalty-taking defender Andreas Granqvist (£5.0m) offers tremendous value in Sweden’s World Cup squad.
The 33-year-old is ever-present for the Swedes and found the net three times in qualifying.
- For data on Sweden‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
SOUTH KOREA
South Korea have one of the poorest squads from a World Cup Fantasy perspective this time around.
Tottenham man Son Heung-min (£8.0m) is the obvious option but has found it difficult to hit the same explosive heights with his country.
- For data on South Korea‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
The Complete Guide to Group G
BELGIUM
Defender Thomas Meunier (£6.0m) offers tremendous value with goals, assists and clean sheets all likely for the Belgium man.
Elsewhere, forwards Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard (both £10.0m) are deservedly earning popularity.
- For data on Belgium‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
PANAMA
The World Cup Fantasy options in Panama’s squad are quite limited.
In fact, the central American side were the only nation to qualify for the tournament with a negative goal-difference.
- For data on Panama‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
TUNISIA
Tunisia don’t have any stand-out Fantasy assets but will still make life hard for the other teams in Group G.
Recent addition to the starting line-up Anice Badri (£5.5m) appears the most appealing differential on offer in this squad.
- For data on Tunisia‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
ENGLAND
Harry Kane (£11.0m) has been identified as England’s best World Cup Fantasy asset after his five goals in qualifying.
Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling (£9.0m) will have to finally replicate his club form for country if he is to be well-owned by Fantasy managers this summer.
- For data on England‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
The Complete Guide to Group H
SENEGAL
Sadio Mane (£8.5m) is integral to the Senegal attack, having scored on two occasions and registered five assists in World Cup qualification.
Defender Kalidou Koulibaly (£5.0m) is a serious aerial threat, having scored five goals from set-piece situations for Napoli this season.
- For data on Senegal‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
JAPAN
Budget differentials Genki Haraguchi (£6.0m) and Hiroki Sakai (£4.0m) are perhaps the best assets to look for in Japan’s squad.
However, Keisuke Honda (£6.5m) and Shinji Okazaki (£6.5m) have made late cases for investment.
- For data on Japan‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
POLAND
Robert Lewandowski (£9.5m) is the stand-out asset in this Polish squad, having scored 16 goals in World Cup qualification.
Kamil Grosicki (£7.5m) and Piotr Zielinski (£8.0m) could be the midfielders providing the Bayern Munich man with the ammunition.
- For data on Poland‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
COLOMBIA
James Rodriguez (£9.0m) and Radamel Falcao (£8.5m) are, not surprisingly, the stand-out names on offer in Colombia’s squad.
But given the favourable nature of their draw there are some interesting budget enablers on offer.
- For data on Colombia‘s most starts, most goals, most assists, key targets and long-shot differentials CLICK HERE.
Fantasy iTeam
Fantasy Football Scout is supporting Fantasy iTeam, a free World Cup game available on a number of mobile devices, including iPhone, iPad, iPodTouch and Android. We have an official Fantasy Football Scout League open to UK users only, with a £1000 of Amazon vouchers to give out, split between the top three performers. There’s also the small matter of £10k worth of prizes available in the main competitions: Overall World Championship and Manager of the Gameround.
Click here for details and here to sign up.
Our League name is Fantasy Football Scout and the pin is 1887.
Please note, users must be over 18 and based in the UK to join our league.
World Cup Data
We’re delighted to offer World Cup data as an early addition to our regular season offering to help those playing Fantasy games over the summer.
We’ve secured Opta data, not only for the tournament itself, which begins on June 14 but also from the Qualifying Rounds for Europe and South America and for international friendlies involving the participating nations. This includes all the matches played right up to the tournament kick-off.
Just to stress, this World Cup offering comes packaged with the regular Fantasy Football Scout membership.
Check out this new trailer previewing the World Cup content below…
5 years, 10 months agoI'm still trying to get my head round the transfer rules. If I make a transfer after say Round 1 Friday game involving the player has finished will the player being transferred in - if he plays on Saturday score points for me? Is that the rule or is the situation that if you make a transfer at any time in R1 the player transferred in will not score points until R2? Can anybody clarify for me please?