How has your World Cup 2026 Fantasy Football squad started the tournament? Flying high at the top of the league, or in desperate need to add points after a dreadful start?
Last week, we provided you with all of our top tips and bargain buys for your frontline, midfield, defence and in between the sticks, and throughout the tournament, we’ll be keeping you up to date with the best players to transfer into your team as the tournament progresses.
Whether you’ve built up an early lead or need some early surgery on your squad to mount a title challenge, World Cup 2026 Fantasy Football will allow you to make two free transfers ahead of the second round of group fixtures, which start on Thursday, 18 June.
For the final time, here are the 8 players we recommend you must transfer in your fantasy team this week. Don’t forget, the deadline to make these changes is 5pm tomorrow (June 18) before Czechia vs South Africa in Group A.
1. Nathaniel Brown - Germany - 4.7m
The Eintracht Frankfurt full-back was outstanding on opening day, scoring one and assisting another in a 7-1 rout of Curacao. While their next test against Ivory Coast will be tougher, Brown is extremely well priced and could pick up both offensive and defensive points for your team. | Getty Images
2. Daichi Kamada - Japan - 5.8m
The Crystal Palace midfielder bagged a team-high of 11 points for his performance in the 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, where he scored his side's late equaliser. Kamada is able to create from deep and occasionally takes the corners for the Japanese team. They play Tunisia next, who are in turmoil after sacking their manager mid-tournament following the 5-1 defeat to Sweden. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
3. Patrik Schick - Czechia - 7.3m
He drew a blank in the defeat to South Korea, but will be eager to make up for that as Czechia face a must-win game against South Africa. His tournament record is excellent for his national team, and Bafana Bafana didn't look up to much in their opening game defeat to Mexico, so they could struggle to contain him. A good bargain option. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
4. Sergino Dest - United States - 4.3m
He's listed as a defender on World Cup Fantasy Football, but has actually been deployed further up for the United States at the tournament. The co-hosts were excellent in their 4-1 win against Paraguay, and they'll be favourites to beat Australia. Dest could pick up some unexpected offensive points due to his position change. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images