With the FIFA World Cup Fantasy deadline fast approaching, here are our recommendations ahead of the third round of group stage fixtures.

The World Cup Fantasy challenge has added an extra layer of excitement for football enthusiasts worldwide, especially as the action unfolds across North America.

In FIFA’s official World Cup 2026 Fantasy game, fans can assemble a squad of 15 players taking part in the tournament and earn points based on their real-life performances this summer.

Managers have until 8pm BST on Wednesday to finalise transfers before the third set of group encounters. Here are our top tips for Round Three.

The Moroccan forward has been in fine form, scoring in both matches to help his team collect four points in Group C. After netting in the 1-1 draw with Brazil, he followed up with an early winner over Scotland.

Priced at just $6.8m, and with the Atlas Lions needing a strong result against already-eliminated Haiti to secure top spot, Ismael Saibari could be a shrewd addition.

Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr also has two goals to his name, both coming in a 3-2 loss to Norway. Despite the defeat, the 28-year-old has been impressive throughout the tournament.

Facing a must-win clash against Iraq, the dynamic winger could deliver again and offers decent value at $6.2m.

Germany’s super-sub Deniz Undav has proven his worth with three goals off the bench so far, including a dramatic late winner as part of a brace in the 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast.

Undav has accumulated 28 points at World Cup 2026, trailing only Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland. At $6.6m, he presents outstanding value. With Julian Nagelsmann’s side already confirmed as Group E winners, the forward may start against Ecuador.

For the United States, defender Alex Freeman has been one of the standout bargains of the Fantasy game. The Villarreal full-back has notched 23 points from two matches thanks to a goal, an assist, and a clean sheet — all for a modest $4m.

With the Group D winners set to face an already-eliminated Turkey, Freeman could once again deliver strong returns.

The Netherlands’ Cody Gakpo was instrumental in his team’s 5-0 demolition of Sweden in round two, contributing two goals and an assist.

The Liverpool attacker is expected to start against Tunisia, with Ronald Koeman’s side needing a win to ensure top spot in Group F. At $7.7m, Gakpo looks a wise investment.

Some Fantasy managers may have thought they were ahead of the curve by selecting Belgium’s record scorer Romelu Lukaku. However, the striker looked sluggish in the goalless draw with Iran.

With just two Fantasy points so far and a $7.4m price tag, Lukaku currently appears a risky option.

England’s Anthony Gordon started on the left wing ahead of Marcus Rashford in the opening matches against Croatia and Ghana but failed to make an impact in either outing.

Given his poor form, and with Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel likely to make changes, Gordon seems a player best left out of your line-up.

Spain’s deep-lying midfielder Rodri remains one of the world’s finest, but his Fantasy returns have been disappointing. The Manchester City man has earned only six points from Spain’s first two fixtures against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia.

At $7.5m, his value could be better utilised elsewhere.

France’s Desire Doue, also priced at $7.5m, initially looked a good pick given his place in a potent Paris Saint-Germain-inspired attack. However, he has since lost his starting spot to club teammate Bradley Barcola.

With Didier Deschamps likely to stick with the same lineup for the decisive Group I clash with Norway, Doue may not offer the returns expected.

Turkey’s young star Arda Guler has endured a tough World Cup, with his team already eliminated after two losses. The Real Madrid midfielder has collected just four points, disappointing those who spent $7m on him.

Facing co-hosts USA next, Guler’s struggles are unlikely to ease.

Canada’s midfielder Ismael Kone suffered a devastating leg injury during the 6-0 win over Qatar, which was the nation’s first-ever World Cup victory. The incident overshadowed what was otherwise a historic night for the co-hosts.

Kone will miss the rest of the tournament due to the injury.

Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck, who scored in the 7-1 thrashing of Curacao, was substituted at half-time in the following match against Ivory Coast.

It has since been confirmed that the Borussia Dortmund centre-back has an ankle injury and will play no further part in World Cup 2026.

Brazil’s Raphinha alarmed fans when he was forced off in the first half of their 3-0 win over Haiti. The winger is set to miss the Group C finale against Scotland, and his return timeline remains unclear.

Belgium’s young defender Nathan Ngoy, who turned 23 this month, began the tournament as a starting centre-back. However, his red card in the 0-0 draw with Iran means he will miss the final Group G match against New Zealand.

Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Ryerson also faces uncertainty after being forced off just 13 minutes into Norway’s 3-2 win over Senegal. Known for his attacking contributions from full-back, he faces a fitness battle ahead of Norway’s key clash with France but could still offer Fantasy potential at both ends of the pitch.

As always, make sure to review your team selections carefully before the transfer window closes and follow community guidelines when engaging with fellow players.