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World Cup Fantasy has given fans across the globe extra reason to keep a close eye on events in North America.
FIFA’s official World Cup 2026 game allows supporters to select a squad of 15 players competing at the tournament and score points based on how they perform this summer.
Players have until 8pm BST on Wednesday to make transfers ahead of the third batch of group fixtures, so here are our tips for round three.
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Who to Buy
Ismael Saibari
The Morocco striker has scored in both matches to earn his side four points in Group C, following up his goal in the 1-1 draw against Brazil with an early winner to beat Scotland.
At just $6.8m and with the Atlas Lions potentially needing a big win against already-eliminated Haiti to win the group, now is the time to cash in on Saibari.
Ismaila Sarr
Another player with two goals is Senegal striker Sarr, although both of those came in a 3-2 defeat by Norway last time out.
The 28-year-old has looked lively this tournament and faces a must-win game against Iraq, so could represent good value at $6.2m.
Deniz Undav
The Germany supersub has scored three goals off the bench already this tournament, including a last-gasp winner as part of a double to beat Ivory Coast 2-1.
Undav has gained 28 points so far at World Cup 2026, fewer than only Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland but, at $6.6m, represents much greater value. Julian Nagelsmann’s side have already clinched top spot in Group E so Undav may well get the nod to start against Ecuador.
Alex Freeman
Talking of value, USA defender Freeman racked up 23 points in his first two games, courtesy of a goal, an assist and a clean sheet - all while costing just $4m.
The Villarreal star, aged just 21, is up against a Turkey side who have already been knocked out, so the Group D winners will be strongly tipped to triumph again.
Cody Gakpo
The Netherlands put five past Sweden in round two and Gakpo played a key role, scoring twice and claiming an assist.
The Liverpool forward will be expected to start against Tunisia, which Ronald Koeman’s side may have to win to guarantee top spot in Group F. At $7.7m, it could be a sensible time to transfer him in.
Who to Drop
Romelu Lukaku
Some World Cup Fantasy players may have felt they were getting the jump on the competition by picking Belgium’s all-time top scorer, who arrived at the World Cup undercooked but still his country’s chief goal threat.
Lukaku started the 0-0 draw with Iran last time out but looked off the pace, so at $7.4m and with just two points to his name, he is not worth the risk.
Anthony Gordon
The winger got the nod over Marcus Rashford to start on England’s left flank in the opening two games against Croatia and Ghana, but failed to impress in either match.
Gordon seems one of the players most at-risk of being dropped by Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel, so you should do the same.
Rodri
While undoubtedly one of the top midfielders in world football, Rodri hasn’t been a high points-scorer at this World Cup.
The Manchester City star earned just six points in Spain’s first two games against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, so his $7.5m transfer fee could be better spent elsewhere.
Desire Doue
Also at $7.5m, the Paris Saint-Germain forward looked a good pick at the start of the tournament as part of France’s fearsome attack.
However, he was displaced in the line-up by clubmate Bradley Barcola and Les Bleus manager Didier Deschamps may stick with the same XI for a winner-takes-all clash with Norway in Group I.
Arda Guler
Turkish football’s bright young thing has been the poster boy of his country’s disastrous World Cup, in which they were eliminated after losing their first two games.
Guler has claimed just four points to date and anyone who picked him from the start will surely regret paying $7m for the Real Madrid midfielder, especially ahead of a clash with co-hosts USA.
Who to avoid transferring in
Ismael Kone
The Canada midfielder’s horrific leg break marred what was otherwise a joyous 6-0 victory for the co-hosts against Qatar, their first World Cup victory.
He will be sidelined for some time, so his tournament is over.
Nico Schlotterbeck
Borussia Dortmund defender Schlotterbeck started both of his country’s opening two games, scoring in the 7-1 win over Curacao, but was withdrawn at half-time against Ivory Coast last Saturday.
It emerged this week that the centre back has an ankle injury and will play no further part in the tournament.
Raphinha
Alarm bells were ringing among Brazil fans when the winger was forced off in the first half of his country’s 3-0 win over Haiti.
Raphinha now appears set to miss the five-time winners’ Group C finale against Scotland, with his return date uncertain.
Nathan Ngoy
The Lille defender is a rising star of the Belgian national team and started the tournament as his country's first-choice centre-back, despite turning 23 just this month.
However, a careless red card in the 0-0 draw with Iran means he will have to sit out the Group G finale against New Zealand.
Julian Ryerson
Borussia Dortmund have not had a good tournament, with full-back Ryerson forced off just 13 minutes into Norway’s 3-2 win over Senegal.
The assist king faces a race to be fit for Friday’s clash with France, but may still be worth a punt based on his potential for points at both ends of the pitch.
