After a hectic first two rounds of the , game, it’s now decision time.
A key part of success in the game that has more than 2.3 million players is getting the Booster strategy correct. One in particular that is likely to be on the minds of many managers at this stage is the wildcard. Allowing unlimited transfers, this seems the ideal round to deploy the this powerful Booster, especially with no limit on moves already in place ahead of the Round of 32 matches.
That effectively means it’s a one-off shot to get an ideal team for this upcoming round, before then re-setting with further changes ahead of the knockout rounds.
As always there is strategy, risk and reward to be had. Do you target the heavy-hitters at nations that have already advanced in the hope they feature in some capacity, or roll the dice with some differential squad players from the heavyweights who may well rotate? Along similar lines, it could perhaps be smarter to focus on those nations who are still seeking positive results to ensure progression.
Here is FIFA’s look at some key targets for the ideal wildcard.
Seven nations have already secured passage to the Round of 32 with a game to spare. They are: Argentina, Colombia, France, Germany, Mexico, Norway and USA. Several more – Haiti, Jordan, Panama, Tunisia and Türkiye – are already unable to progress and are thus to be avoided.
The key question is what to do with the elite options from teams that are safely through and thus a real rotation risk. That includes the top four scorers in the game in Argentina’s Lionel Messi ($10m), Norway’s Erling Haaland ($10.5m), France forward Kylian Mbappe ($10.5m) and Germany’s Deniz Undav ($6.6m).
Of that quartet, Undav is perhaps the safest bet given that his 28-point haul (the third highest in the game) has come playing off the bench in both of Germany’s opening fixtures.
For those nations not yet assured of qualification the stakes are significantly higher and thus the risk of rotation also greatly reduced. That then brings a galaxy of stars right into consideration, led by Brazil’s Vinicius Junior ($10m) who will look to continue his impressive form against Scotland, especially in the absence of the injured Raphinha ($8.2m).
In Group F, the Netherlands need a point to be totally safe and face an already eliminated Tunisian side who have been leaking goals. That brings the dynamic defender Denzel Dumfries ($5.7m) and forward Cody Gakpo ($7.7m) into consideration. Elsewhere, Spain sensation Lamine Yamal ($10m) will be chasing goals against Uruguay, as will deadly Senegalese forward Ismaila Sarr ($6.2m) against Iraq.
With several high-priced options sure to be in most teams, getting the right differentials is also crucial, even on the wildcard. Having held Belgium to a scoreless draw in their previous outing, IR Iran keeper Alireza Beiranvand ($4.2m) will be confident he can do the same against Egypt and continue the form that’s seen him settle as the joint-top highest-scoring goalkeeper so far.
With England needing a clean sheet against an eliminated Panama side, Ezri Konsa ($4.8m) seems a sound investment while Morocco superstar Brahim Diaz ($6.4m) will be important as his side chase a positive result against a Haiti outfit with nothing on the line.
Finally, Japan forward Ayase Ueda ($7m) has an ideal price and a good match-up against Sweden, and could be a sound investment in a clash where goals seem likely.
Sources: FIFA Official
