5 Dark Horses to Watch out for in World Cup Fantasy 2026 

I want to start by saying, this is not your average, ‘10 stars to watch at the 2026 World Cup’ article. This one has a specific pertinence to the ones which could be very handy for Fantasy purposes, i.e. easy groups, strong form etc. 

Another caveat is that these will also not be your famous stars who play for slightly less well known nations, like a Haaland or Son for example. These will be lesser considered players with serious Fantasy upside for the 2026 World Cup. 

Anyway, without further ado, let’s get stuck in. 

 

Dan Ndoye: RW/RWB – Switzerland  

England fans may remember Ndoye’s name from some of his electrifying performances during Euro 2024. Giving England heaps of problems down their left-hand side. The dynamic wide player can either play as an attacking winger or as a wing-back, meaning he is almost a lock to start in any Swiss lineup. 

What makes Ndoye particularly superb for Fantasy purposes, is his group. Switzerland has an incredibly friendly draw, sharing a group with Canada, Bosnia and Qatar. 3 matches they should win comfortably given their quality. With Ndoye having every opportunity for multiple returns as a result. 

There is also the small chance that he is listed as a defender given his strong presence at wing-back. Which would be unbelievable for his Fantasy prospects. Although we wouldn’t hold out too much hope. 

 

Kenan Yildiz: AM/LW/RW – Türkiye 

Now yes, Yildiz is certainly not as obscure as some of the other names on this list, but his presence as a Fantasy asset may well be overlooked. There’s no 2 ways around it, Türkiye have one of the easiest groups in the entire competition, with the US, Australia and Paraguay rounding out group D. Given La Liga has more eyes on it than Serie A, most players may lean more towards an Arda Guler as a Turkish option.  

However, Yildiz has arguably been one of the best players in Serie A for a while now and is every bit as talent as his Real Madrid compatriot.  

Türkiye have been in electric form since October 2025, winning 5 of their last 6 and the only draw being a 2-2 scrap against current favourites Spain. Keep an eye on Yildiz and Guler. Türkiye could make a deep run. 

 

Leandro Trossard: LW/RW – Belgium 

Continuing the theme of easy groups, Trossard is up next. Trossard has been in fine form for both Belgium and Arsenal of late, so carries plenty of momentum into the 2026 World Cup. If there’s one thing Belgium have, it is a front 4 packed with talent. Trossard will likely start alongside De Bruyne, Doku and Lukaku, meaning he will not only be short of service, but also elite talent to finish off anything he creates. 

More importantly, Belgium’s group consists of Egypt, Iran and New Zealand, 3 relatively easy nations as group difficulty goes. While lots will no doubt opt for Lukaku from Belgium, given his prolific international record, Trossard could provide a sneaky midfield option for those also looking to cover the Belgian attack. 

 

Patrick Schick: ST – Czechia 

This man is no stranger to scoring in major international competitions, and this experience could really lend itself well to an open group. 

 

Raul Jimenez: ST – Mexico 

He is also one of Mexico’s most accomplished players, scoring 44 goals and registering a massive 123 caps. Do not count him out in what could be a very open group. 

 

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