World Cup Fantasy: Best Players to Buy for the Quarter Finals

The quarter-finals are where World Cup Fantasy squads start to separate. The group stages are about finding value and surviving rotation; the knockout rounds are about loading up on the teams most likely to go deep while still finding the players capable of delivering match-winning hauls.

 

SIDE NOTE: We will be updating this article as and when results or press conference/injury news comes in. So make sure you bookmark.

Last Updated: 09/07

 

Squad Construction

For the quarter-finals, France are the obvious priority.

The recommendation is to aim for five French players if possible. They have the clearest route to the final and, compared to Spain, offer significantly more attacking upside. While Spain have been one of the strongest defensive teams at the tournament, France’s premium attackers have a much higher ceiling, particularly in knockout games where one moment of brilliance can decide everything.

Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé all offer fantastic appeal as a result, whereas Spain’s strongest assets are more spread across their defence.

England, Argentina, Switzerland and Norway are slightly more difficult teams to fully commit to. England remain dangerous but have shown inconsistencies, Argentina’s defence has looked vulnerable in recent matches, Switzerland have proved inconsistent and are battling injuries, and Norway are still unpredictable despite having elite attacking talent.

Spain are still very investable, particularly with a favourable quarter-final fixture against Belgium, but managers should remember they likely face France in the semi-finals. A four-player Spain block is reasonable, but five France players should be the priority.

A strong squad structure would look something like:

• 5 France
• 4 Spain
• 2 England
• 2 Argentina
• 1 Norway
• 1 Switzerland

However, there are plenty of ways to adjust this depending on your squad. Five Spain players, two Norway players or extra Switzerland exposure are all viable strategies.

The key is building around teams with a realistic path to the final while still prioritising upside.

As a result, we have split this list into 2. The first is key players to target and the second is fun differentials to go after. Especially if you are looking to chase rank.

Key Players Pool for Quarter Finals

 

Kylian Mbappé

The obvious first name.

Mbappé has continued to prove why he is arguably the ultimate World Cup Fantasy asset. Currently joint top scorer with Haaland and Messi on 7. Mbappe also has 2 assists on top, meaning he sits atop the G/A table on 9. He also has the 2nd highest shots on target per 90 of 3.5. A great indicator for Fantasy production.

Michael Olise

Olise has emerged as one of France’s biggest attacking weapons. His creativity, chance creation and dynamism, have seen him not only lead the tournament in assists on 5 but also in big chances created. France look liek there is no slowing them down at present, and Morocco shouldn’t pose too many issues.

Ousmane Dembélé

Dembélé has backed up his Ballon d’Or-winning season with another excellent tournament. His goals, assists and ability to stretch defences make him one of France’s most dangerous attackers. Despite not displaying the same consistency as Mbappe or Olise, he has already displayed his propensity to explode with a hat trick and 4 total goals already.

Marc Cucurella

Cucurella has been one of the best defensive fantasy assets at the tournament. He already has five clean sheets and two assists, combining attacking involvement with Spain’s excellent defensive record. Belgium are arguably one of the weaker sides left in the quarter finals, whose incosistent attacking and defensive performances could yield points for Cucurella at either end.

Pedro Porro

Porro has been one of Spain’s standout performers so far and currently ranks third amongst the highest-rated players at the World Cup by SofaScore. His attacking output from full-back gives him a much higher ceiling than a traditional defender. With a fixture like Belgium providing ample opportunity for points on either end.

Jude Bellingham

Bellingham remains one of England’s safest midfield picks. His late runs into the box, goal threat and all-round involvement make him one of the best fantasy midfielders available. A theme already highlighted by his 4 goals and 1 assist so far.

Lionel Messi

The tournament’s current and indeed all-time leading scorer is showing no signs of slowing down. Messi remains Argentina’s creative and goalscoring hub. His chance creation, set-piece involvement and ability to decide knockout matches mean he is an essential in any team.

Erling Haaland

The ultimate ceiling pick.

Haaland’s shot volume and penalty-box presence mean he can explode at any moment, particularly against teams that struggle to defend transitions, like England. England’s defence has looked shaky all tournament and Haaland’s excellent showing against Brazil should see him enter this match up brimming with confidence.

Harry Kane

Kane remains England’s most reliable attacking option, with 6 goals and an assist already this tournament. His goals, penalties and creative role give him multiple routes to fantasy returns, and following a top performance at the Azteca, will be sizing up what on paper appears like an average Norwegian back line.

Mikel Oyarzabal

Oyarzabal offers excellent value into Spain’s attack. His movement and finishing ability make him a strong option if looking beyond the obvious names. With 4 goals and an assist already this tournament, as well as 16 goals in his last 16 national side appearances, Oyarzabal is an excellent option against a Belgium team who have been leaking goals of late.

Lamine Yamal

Yamal has not quite exploded statistically yet, but his underlying threat remains elite. He continues to create chances and beat defenders regularly, leading the World Cup in successful dribbles. Belgium’s defence should also pose an easier time than Portugal’s. A fact he will be keen to capitalise on considering the performance of the other stars so far.

William Saliba

Saliba remains one of the safest defensive investments. France’s defensive strength combined with his elite individual quality makes him one of the best centre-back options. A lock for minutes in a team that will probably win the tournament.

Dayot Upamecano

Has also had an excellent tournament and is part of a backline who is likely to make it to the final. A great option at the back.

Jules Koundé

Koundé provides another route into France’s defence. He combines clean-sheet potential with deep tournament potential.

Mike Maignan

Again, another excellent route into the France defence, and the cheapest one at that.

Aymeric Laporte

Laporte has benefited from Spain’s defensive structure and remains a reliable route into one of the tournament’s best back lines. Currently the only team remaining with 0 goals conceded, any Spanish defender is a great shout for the quarter final.

Pau Cubarsi

For very similar reasons to Laporte. Spain have a great defence and he’s locked into their starting XI.

Unai Simón

Spain’s goalkeeper remains a strong clean-sheet option, especially for managers wanting defensive coverage.

Facundo Medina

Medina offers a cheaper route into Argentina’s defence but carries more risk due to their recent defensive struggles and potential rotation. Switzerland’s inconsistent attack does help their value slightly however, especially if Manzambi misses their next game as well.

Lisandro Martínez

Martínez brings defensive quality and attacking return potential, although Argentina’s recent goals conceded record makes their defenders harder to trust.

Emiliano Martínez

The safest Argentina defensive option. His tournament progression potential and clean-sheet upside make him a solid option. However the clean sheet potential is at a tournament low. Switzerland’s inconsistent attack does help his value slightly however.

Cristian Romero

Romero offers defensive statistics and set-piece threat, with 2 goals in his most recent 2 games. However, Argentina’s defence remains sketchy.

Johan Manzambi

“I can’t say whether it would be medically advisable. Of course, we have hope, but only if it makes sense and there are no risks involved,” Yakin was quoted as saying by Swiss outlet Blick. This seems like the sort of situation where if there was any chance he could medically take the field he will.

As it is a tournament and not a 38 game season. If so, I think Switzerland have one of the bigger chances at an upset, and Manzambi could be the perfect man to do it.

 

Lucas Digne

Now above 5% ownership, Digne is still one of the most interesting defensive differentials for the quarter-finals.

The biggest question was always whether he would start. That concern has largely disappeared. Digne has now started both knockout matches, which suggests he has become France’s preferred option at left-back. That completely changes his appeal.

France offer the strongest defensive outlook of any remaining team, but Digne also provides attacking upside through crosses, chance creation and advanced positioning.

 

Alex Baena

Baena is another excellent low-owned Spain option.

At just 5.7% ownership, he offers genuine differential appeal even without the Scouting Bonus. His creativity has always been his biggest strength. He is a player who naturally looks to progress the ball, create chances and take responsibility in attacking areas.

With Spain expected to dominate possession against Belgium, this is the type of fixture where Baena’s qualities can shine. He provides exposure to one of the tournament favourites without simply copying the most popular picks.

 

Martin Ødegaard

Ødegaard offers an intriguing route into Norway’s attack. England’s defence has shown vulnerabilities, and Ødegaard is one of the best players in world football at unlocking defences.

The presence of Haaland to finish off those through balls only improves his appeal. Few players benefit more from having an elite striker ahead of them, and Ødegaard’s assist potential is always among the highest in any match as a result. Not least given his set-piece presence.

Bradley Barcola

Currently L’equipe’s predicted starter for the French in their quarter final match up against Morocco. Should Barcola maintain this spot, he becomes one of the best options for not just the quarter final but the remainder of the torunament.

Although whether he will stay below 5% remains to be seen. Not least considering he already has 2 goals and an assist in limited game time, enough for 0.6 xG/A per 90.

Scouting Bonus Differentials

Dani Olmo (2.7% owned)

Olmo has become one of Spain’s most interesting knockout-stage differentials.

At only 1.8% ownership, he offers huge upside, particularly because he has now started Spain’s last two knockout games.

That is important because rotation has been one of the biggest challenges with Spain attackers.

Olmo has also looked excellent when given responsibility, operating between the lines and arriving in dangerous positions. Spain have looked better with him involved, and his goal threat separates him from many of their more possession-focused midfielders.

A low-owned attacker from a team capable of reaching the final is exactly the profile fantasy managers should be searching for.

Bukayo Saka (4.5% owned)

Saka is a riskier differential because his starting place is less secure than usual.

However, there are reasons to believe he could retain his place.

He provided a key assist against Mexico and offers more defensive work rate than some of England’s other wide options. In tougher knockout fixtures, that willingness to track back and contribute without the ball could appeal to Thomas Tuchel.

At only 4.5% ownership, Saka provides significant upside if he remains in the starting XI.

Anthony Gordon (4.3% owned)

Gordon was one of England’s brightest performers against Mexico.

His direct running, pace and willingness to attack defenders immediately changed the dynamic of England’s attack.

At just 1.7% ownership, he represents an excellent scouting bonus opportunity.

The performance should put him firmly in contention to start against Norway, and if he does, he becomes one of the best value differentials available.

Patrick Berg (0.8% owned)

Berg is one of the ultimate differential punts.

At only 0.3% ownership, he offers huge rank-winning potential.

He was unlucky to have a goal ruled out against Brazil and has consistently shown a willingness to get forward, arrive in the box and contribute offensively.

He is a very direct player who likes to attack space and has a tidy finishing ability when opportunities arrive.

A true upside play.

Antonio Nusa (2.3% owned)

Nusa is another exciting Norway option.

He combines creativity with direct attacking ability and has shown he can cause problems against strong opposition. Including a wonder strike against the dangerous looking Ivory Coast.

England’s defence has looked vulnerable, particularly in wide areas, and their right-back situation remains a potential weakness area. Meaning Nusa could be the main beneficiary of the injury crisis out there.

Nusa’s ability to isolate defenders and create chances makes him an excellent differential.

Nahuel Molina (4.8% owned)

Molina’s potential Scouting Bonus means he is definitely worth considering. Although at 4.8% he is definitely toeing the line.

The issue with Argentina is not talent — it is trust.

They have conceded five goals in their last three matches, against Jordan, Cape Verde and Egypt. Making a defensive block difficult to justify.

His advanced positioning does however give him assist potential, while his scouting bonus profile makes him a defender with some added upside.

He is still a risk, but if Argentina improve defensively, Molina has a solid ceiling. Although given their poor defensive outings, there is every chance we see a lot of rotation. So he comes with risk.

Breel Embolo (1.6% owned)

I think it will be trickier for Switzerland to keep a clean sheet against Argentina and Messi, especially with the help they have been receiving from referees. That being said, defensively Argentina have looked very vulnerable at the back.

Conceding 5 goals between Jordan, Cape Verde and Egypt (should’ve been 6). As a result, Embolo offers some pretty good Scouting bonus value, playing for an albeit better attack on paper. even without Manzambi.

Ruben Vargas (2.3% owned)

With 2 goals and an assist already this tournament, Vargas is another one of those national team demons which Switzerland seem to stock in abundance. As mentioned with Embolo, Argentina’s defence has looked very breach able.

So even without Manzambi fit, there is every chance the likes of Vargas, Embolo and Ndoye can get through.

 

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