The knockout stage has arrived, bringing with it the biggest opportunity yet for Fantasy World Cup managers to overhaul their squads. With unlimited transfers available ahead of the Round of 16, there’s no reason to hold onto underperforming assets or players facing difficult fixtures.
The focus should now be on loading up on players from the favorites to reach the quarterfinals while mixing in a handful of low-owned differentials capable of delivering a significant rank boost. With that in mind,
here’s our best World Cup Fantasy XI for the Round of 16, lined up in a 4-3-3 formation.
Goalkeeper
Mike Maignan (France) – $5.5m
France look to have the standout defensive fixture of the Round of 16, making Mike Maignan one of the safest goalkeeper selections this week.
Les Bleus face Paraguay, and bookmakers have them as the strongest favorites to keep a clean sheet across the knockout fixtures. If you’re not doubling up on the French defense, Maignan offers an excellent route into what is arguably the most reliable backline remaining in the tournament.
Defenders
Lucas Digne (France) – $5.0m
If you’re looking for a differential with huge upside, Lucas Digne is one of the standout defensive picks. Owned by fewer than one percent of Fantasy managers, he provides a rare opportunity to invest in France’s defense while also benefiting from the scouting bonus.
France kept a clean sheet in their previous outing, and with Didier Deschamps having little reason to rotate a winning side, Digne could prove to be one of the best value picks of the round.
Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco) – $4.4m
Mazraoui continues to offer excellent value at both ends of the pitch. Morocco have a favorable matchup against Canada and are well placed to record another clean sheet.
The full-back has already registered an assist during the tournament, giving him multiple routes to points while carrying ownership of just 1.7%.
Djed Spence (England) – $4.5m
Spence has quietly become one of England’s most appealing budget defenders following the injury to Reece James.
With a starting role looking increasingly secure, the Tottenham full-back offers attacking potential alongside clean-sheet prospects against Mexico, while remaining owned by just 0.5% of managers.
Douglas Santos (Brazil) – $4.3m
Brazil remain among the favorites to reach the latter stages of the tournament, making Douglas Santos an attractive low-cost defensive option.
Priced at just $4.3m, he provides affordable access to Brazil’s defense, allowing Fantasy managers to spend more heavily on premium attackers elsewhere.
Midfielders
Michael Olise (France) – $10.0m
Olise has developed into one of the tournament’s most reliable midfield assets.
After producing a 10-point return in the previous round, the French playmaker heads into the clash with Paraguay in excellent form and could easily have delivered an even bigger haul last time out. His growing security of starts also makes him a slightly safer investment than some of France’s other attacking options.
Lionel Messi (Argentina) – $10.0m
Leaving Lionel Messi out of a Fantasy squad at this stage feels like an unnecessary gamble.
The Argentine captain has been one of the standout performers throughout the World Cup and continues to produce on the biggest stage. Few players possess a higher ceiling in the knockout rounds, making him an easy inclusion despite the premium price tag.
Vinicius Junior (Brazil) – $10.0m
Consistency has been one of Vinicius Junior’s greatest strengths during this tournament.
The Brazilian superstar has produced attacking returns in three of his four appearances, blanking only once, and remains one of the strongest captaincy alternatives available outside of the obvious favorites. Against Norway, he should once again be central to Brazil’s attacking threat.
Forwards
Kylian Mbappe (France) – $10.5m
Mbappe continues to set the standard in Fantasy World Cup.
The France forward has amassed an outstanding 50 Fantasy points across four matches and has delivered a return in every game so far. With Paraguay providing what looks to be the most favorable fixture of the Round of 16, he stands out as arguably the best captaincy option this week.
Harry Kane (England) – $10.5m
Five goals in four matches tells its own story.
England’s captain has been remarkably consistent throughout the tournament and remains the focal point of everything his side creates in attack. Although Mexico present a tougher challenge than some previous opponents, Kane’s reliability makes him extremely difficult to overlook.
Leandro Trossard (Belgium) – $6.6m
Managers chasing rank should take a close look at Leandro Trossard.
Owned by just 4.4% of the game, the Belgian winger is one of the standout attacking differentials heading into the knockout stage. His explosive 17-point haul earlier in the tournament demonstrated the kind of ceiling he possesses, making him an ideal pick for those looking to gain ground on their rivals.
Best Round of 16 World Cup Fantasy XI (4-3-3)
GK: Mike Maignan (France)
DEF: Lucas Digne (France), Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco), Djed Spence (England), Douglas Santos (Brazil)
MID: Michael Olise (France), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Vinicius Junior (Brazil)
FWD: Kylian Mbappe (France), Harry Kane (England), Leandro Trossard (Belgium)
