FIFA World Cup 2026 Fantasy: Nine forwards to consider

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, Fantasy managers are weighing their options in the forward line. FIFA has released a list of nine forwards who could make a significant impact in the FIFA World Cup™ Fantasy game, powered by Aramco. The selection includes world champions, record breakers, emerging stars, and tournament debutants, offering choices for managers with varying budgets.

Premium Picks: Proven Superstars

Harry Kane (England)

England captain Harry Kane arrives at the World Cup in extraordinary form. He just completed the most prolific goalscoring season of his career, netting 61 goals in 51 matches for Bayern Munich as the German giants secured a domestic double. The former Tottenham Hotspur striker is England's all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals and remains the focal point of the Three Lions' attack. With Thomas Tuchel's side widely expected to progress deep into the tournament, Kane—winner of the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ Golden Boot—offers about as close to guaranteed goals as can be found among the tournament's forwards.

Erling Haaland (Norway)

There is little mystery about where Norway's goals are likely to come from in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Erling Haaland comfortably finished as Europe's leading scorer in qualifying with 16 goals and is one of the most feared strikers in global football ahead of his debut World Cup. The Manchester City forward has already scored more than 50 international goals despite being only 25 years old, while his club record speaks for itself: Haaland just won his third Premier League Golden Boot in four years, becoming only the fourth player to achieve the feat three times. At the World Cup, Norway face a challenging group containing France, Iraq, and Senegal. But Haaland is a player used to breaking through the world's best defences, and if Norway reach the knockout stages, it will likely be Haaland who helped propel them there.

Kylian Mbappe (France)

Already a FIFA World Cup winner with France and the scorer of a sensational hat-trick in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ final, Kylian Mbappe has repeatedly delivered on football's biggest stage. The French talisman enters the tournament after another outstanding goalscoring campaign for Real Madrid—bagging 42 goals in 44 appearances, with his 15 UEFA Champions League strikes securing him the competition's Golden Boot award for 2025-26. Blessed with explosive pace, ruthless finishing, and penalty-taking duties for France, Mbappe seems on paper like one of the safest premium picks available; if Les Bleus embark on another run to the latter stages, Mbappe will surely play a leading role again.

Value Selections: Emerging Talents and Bargain Picks

Julian Alvarez (Argentina)

While Lionel Messi will likely find a home in many World Cup Fantasy teams, those seeking attacking coverage from Argentina at a lower price point should take a close look at Julian Alvarez. At the 2022 World Cup, Alvarez scored three and set up another, but four years on, he is a better goalscorer and a more complete player. The ex-Manchester City striker contributed four goals and two assists during qualifying, including the winner away to Chile, while at club level he scored in every Champions League knockout stage this season for Atletico Madrid—netting seven goals across eight games. With Argentina among the favourites to lift the trophy again, the 2022 World Cup winner could prove one of the game's standout value selections.

Ayase Ueda (Japan)

Few forwards at the 2026 World Cup boast stronger qualifying form than Ayase Ueda, who finished as Japan's leading scorer with eight goals as they became the first nation outside the hosts to secure qualification for the tournament. Japan scored 54 goals and conceded only three throughout qualifying, underlining the strong foundation from which Ueda can operate in North America.