They say there is no such thing as a friendly, and that is definitely true when you're a manager trying to spot a differential pick before finalising your team ahead of the big kick off.
With that in mind, FIFA has taking place around the world in recent weeks and singled out some of the stars who could give you the edge in matchday one.
Whether you need a reliable presence in goal, a defender who poses a threat in the opposition box, a free-scoring threat from midfield, or a reliable foil for your star striker you could find just what you need right here.
Austria come into their first World Cup in 28 years quietly confident after a strong qualifying campaign, and a solid rearguard is a big reason for that. RB Salzburg goalkeeper Schlager played the full 90 minutes and kept a clean sheet in his country's 1 on 1 June, and looks in fine fettle ahead of his side's Group J opener against Jordan.
Crepeau with a fractured tibia, but heads into this year's showpiece as co-host Canada's starting goalkeeper. The Orlando City stopper will be determined to make up for lost time in front of a partisan home crowd, and after keeping a on 1 June he will be brimming with confidence when Canada get their campaign underway against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Defenders with an eye for goal often prove to be crucial differentials for fantasy managers, and with Vasquez having found the net in each of Mexico's two most recent friendlies against and he looks an incredibly tempting option for the backline. At just $4.7m he is also a affordable choice, and the Genoa captain is sure to have South Africa in his sights as the co-hosts get the tournament started in Thursday's opening game.
Plenty of fantasy teams will have a Doue in their ranks, but it is more likely to be France midfielder Desire. His older brother Guela will also be , and at almost half the price the Cote d'Ivoire right back could even represent better value than his esteemed sibling. Indeed, the 23-year-old came out on top when on 4 June, registering a goal and an assist as the former triumphed 2-1.
Egypt midfielder Ziko has a name made for the World Cup, and the 29-year-old has been in terrific form as the tournament edges closer. He in his country's 1-0 victory over Russia on 28 May, before following up with the to tournament heavyweights - and the home of his legendary namesake - Brazil on 6 June. A snip at $4.2m, Ziko could be a a very shrewd acquisition for fantasy managers looking to bolster their midfields with goal threats.
Hardly an unknown quantity and far from a bargain buy, but Olise increasingly looks like a player that fantasy players just can't ignore. The Bayern Munich marvel enjoyed a sensational 2025/26 campaign for his club, and seems intent on bringing that scintillating form to the World Cup as well. His most recent outing saw him as France beat Northern Ireland 3-1 on 8 June, and Senegal won't be relishing trying to contain him in their Group I clash on 16 June.
With Brazil and Morocco lying down the track Shankland might not look the safest bet for long-term returns, but the Scotland striker is in a rich vein of form in front of goal and could be a smart left-field pick ahead of Scotland's Group C opener against Haiti. The 30-year-old scored 20 goals in 34 appearances in all competitions for Hearts last season, and had his scoring boots on for his country too as he on 30 May and also a week later.
Another player sure to already be on many a fantasy player's radar, but as teams firm up their plans for the big kick-off Havertz looks an increasingly intriguing prospect to lead the line. A price tag of $7.8m makes him vastly more affordable than many of the big hitters, and having struck Arsenal's opener in the recent UEFA Champions League final, the virtuoso forward also in Germany's most recent tune-up, a 2-1 win against USA on 6 June.
Sources: FIFA Official
