Gradually, the curtains of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
are closing. In a massive tournament spanning 104 matches, we are now down to the final two high-stakes games.This weekend, France and England will go to war for the bronze medal in the third-place playoff, followed by a blockbuster final showdown between defending champions Argentina and the dominant Spain.
What an incredible, month-long tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico it has been. For World Cup Fantasy (WCF) managers, this
is the final team you will draft until the next edition of the game.
Building the ultimate third place and finals team selection requires balancing key final-bound heavyweights with highly motivated third-place stars.
Unai Simón – Spain
Spain’s undisputed number one has been a brick wall in North America, racking up a joint-tournament-best 7 clean sheets. Simón faces a formidable Argentina team in the final. Spain’s structural defensive discipline remains the best in the world, making Simón a premier choice for your final World Cup Fantasy team selection.
Marc Cucurella – Spain
With 52 points, Cucurella has been an indispensable WCF asset. His constant threat down the left wing, crossing volume, and high defensive contributions make him a must-own. Facing Argentina’s attack in the final, his dual route to points gives your defense an elite ceiling on the final day.
Lisandro Martínez – Argentina
Lisandro Martínez enters the lineup. The Manchester United center-back has been a rock for Argentina throughout their campaign, even popping up with a crucial goal against Cape Verde. He played the full 90 minutes in the semi-final comeback and is heavily favored to start the final, offering robust baseline tackle and clearance points.
Pedro Porro – Spain
Porro has been highly creative on the right side, accumulating 48 points. Fresh off scoring the decisive goal in the semi-finals against France, his overlapping runs and chance creation stats are a major source of points. He is a premier candidate for managers looking for dynamic World Cup Fantasy final player picks.
Enzo Fernández – Argentina (29 Points)
With 29 points in WCF, Enzo is the primary passing hub for the Albiceleste. Fresh off scoring the crucial equalizer in the semi-final against England, he enters the final full of confidence. His high volume of tackles and key passes gives him an incredibly secure points floor.
Anthony Gordon – England
England’s tricky winger has grabbed 35 points and will look to exploit a disappointed France defense in the third-place tie. Gordon found the net in the semi-final against Argentina and remains a highly motivated attacker. Historically, third-place matches are high-scoring, open affairs, giving Gordon’s explosive direct running style a very high point ceiling.
Jude Bellingham – England
England’s midfield dynamo has been a phenomenon with 6 goals and 58 WCF points. He will face France in the third-place match. With Bellingham chasing final tournament accolades, he is a primary transfer target who will dominate both offensive and defensive duels.
Ousmane Dembélé – France
France’s most explosive winger has gathered 56 points in WCF. He is set to terrorize the English fullbacks in the third-place match. With Dembélé heavily favored to start, he is one of the most clinical World Cup Fantasy final player picks in the mid-priced bracket.
Lionel Messi – Argentina
The undisputed king of the tournament, Messi leads the WCF scoring chart with 74 points from 8 goals and 4 assists. Locked in a tight race for the Golden Boot, he faces Spain in the final. He remains the most vital player to include in your third place and finals team selection.
Kylian Mbappé – France
Tied with Messi on 8 goals, Mbappé could use the third-place match against England to secure the tournament Golden Boot. Facing a fatigued English backline, the French captain is the most explosive player on the slate and a non-negotiable anchor for your forward line.
Mikel Oyarzabal – Spain
Completing our fearsome front three is Spain’s silent hero, Mikel Oyarzabal. Racking up 44 points in WCF behind 5 crucial tournament goals, the Real Sociedad talisman has been incredibly clinical. Having just scored Spain’s opening goal in the semi-final win over France, he is in red-hot form and remains Spain’s focal point to breach Argentina’s defense in the final.
As we approach the final 180 minutes of the tournament, aligning your roster with teams chasing individual accolades and major medals is the key to success. Balancing Spain’s defensive rigidity with the explosive attacking power of Messi, Mbappé, and Oyarzabal will provide the ultimate blend of safety and ceiling. Double-check your starting lineups, verify your captaincy rotation, and lock in your transfers before the final deadline.
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé are tied in the Golden Boot race, will you risk your armband on Mbappé’s high-scoring third-place match, or is Messi the safer option for your final World Cup Fantasy team selection?
