The Sofascore Fantasy game dedicated to the World Cup 2026 is finally here! As previously announced, fantasy managers will have a squad of 15 players at their disposal and will earn points based on players’ real-life performances, with a scoring system that rewards not only goals and assists but also a wide range of advanced statistics.

During the group stage, managers will be able to make three transfers per round. One of the most exciting features of the game is the possibility to make substitutions and change the captain during the matchday, provided that the players involved have not yet started their matches.

With the first round of the group stage approaching, here is our ideal Sofascore Fantasy XI for Round 1.

Formation: 3-5-2

GOALKEEPER

Manuel Neuer (Germany vs Curaçao) — €5.5M

Despite being 40 years old, Manuel Neuer remains one of the world’s elite goalkeepers. Germany enter their opening match against Curaçao as overwhelming favorites, making a clean sheet highly likely. In addition to the security provided by the German defense, Neuer is still capable of making decisive saves and contributing through his excellent distribution. For Round 1, he is one of the safest options between the posts.

DEFENDERS

Nuno Mendes (Portugal vs Congo) — €7.5M

Coming off another outstanding season for both club and country, Nuno Mendes is one of the most complete defenders in international football. The Portuguese full-back combines defensive solidity with significant attacking output thanks to his constant overlapping runs and ability to create chances. Against Congo, Portugal are clear favorites, and Mendes could deliver fantasy points both through a clean sheet and his contributions in the final third.

Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands vs Japan) — €7.0M

Leader, captain, and symbol of the Dutch national team, Virgil van Dijk remains one of the tournament’s most reliable defenders. His experience in major competitions and consistently high performances over the years make him a particularly attractive fantasy option. In addition to strong clean-sheet potential against Japan, van Dijk is always a threat from set pieces thanks to his aerial dominance.

Victor Lindelöf (Sweden vs Tunisia) — €5.0M

At a very affordable price, Lindelöf offers an appealing combination of international experience and defensive reliability. As Sweden’s captain, he will be tasked with leading the back line in a match that could provide valuable clean-sheet points. Considering his budget-friendly price tag, he stands out as one of the best value picks for Round 1.

MIDFIELDERS

Federico Valverde (Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay) — €8.0M

Valverde is the prototype of the modern midfielder. His dynamism, late runs into the box, technical quality, and ability to impact both phases of the game make him an extremely valuable fantasy asset. After another stellar season with Real Madrid, he arrives at the World Cup in excellent form and could contribute both in front of goal and in the build-up against Saudi Arabia.

Antoine Semenyo (Ghana vs Panama) — €7.0M

Antoine Semenyo arrives at the World Cup following an excellent season, first with Bournemouth and then with Manchester City, during which he proved capable of making an impact both as a finisher and as a creator. His attacking versatility and tendency to be involved in Ghana’s most dangerous moves make him a very appealing Fantasy option. Against Panama, he should have plenty of opportunities to make his mark.

Scott McTominay (Haiti vs Scotland) — €7.0M

In recent years, Scott McTominay has become one of Scotland’s most important players, frequently making an impact in attacking areas as well. His ability to make late runs into the box and his threat from set pieces significantly boost his Fantasy value. Anyone who has followed Serie A and Napoli over the last two years knows that very well.

Lamine Yamal (Spain vs Cape Verde) — €11.5M

The most exciting talent of this opening round simply had to be included in our selection. After a sensational club season, Lamine Yamal arrives at the World Cup as one of the most creative and decisive players in world football. Goals, assists, dribbles, and chances created make him a perfect fit for the Sofascore Fantasy scoring system. Against Cape Verde, he could be one of the standout performers of the round.

Luis Díaz (Uzbekistan vs Colombia) — €8.5M

Luis Díaz is Colombia’s primary attacking reference point. The Colombian winger once again demonstrated his quality throughout the last season with Bayern, standing out for his attacking production, dribbling ability, and consistency. In a matchup against Uzbekistan where Colombia are favorites, Díaz has all the tools to deliver goals or assists.

FORWARDS

Erling Haaland (Iraq vs Norway) — €10.0M

When it comes to Fantasy Football, Erling Haaland is almost always among the first names to consider. The Norwegian striker continues to produce remarkable goal-scoring numbers and remains a constant threat to any defense. Against Iraq, Norway will be aiming to start the tournament strongly as they did in the qualifiers, and Haaland will inevitably be the leading candidate to spearhead that effort.

Julián Álvarez (Argentina vs Algeria) — €9.0M

Julián Álvarez arrives at the World Cup following another outstanding season and with an increasingly important role within the Argentine national team. His ability to contribute to build-up play, create chances, and finish attacking moves makes him an exceptionally complete fantasy option. In what appears to be a favorable matchup against Algeria, the Argentine forward could be one of the most productive players of Round 1.