World Cup Fantasy: Warm-Up Stars to Watch

With the deadline for Matchday 1 fast approaching, FIFA World Cup Fantasy managers are scouring pre-tournament friendlies for differential picks. While these matches may be labeled as friendlies, they offer crucial insights into form and potential. FIFA has analyzed recent warm-up games to identify players who could provide an edge.

Goalkeepers in Form

Alexander Schlager (Austria)

Austria, appearing in their first World Cup in 28 years, enter the tournament quietly confident after a strong qualifying campaign. A solid defense has been key, and RB Salzburg goalkeeper Alexander Schlager played the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 friendly win over fellow qualifiers Tunisia on June 1. He kept a clean sheet and looks in fine form ahead of Austria's Group J opener against Jordan.

Maxime Crepeau (Canada)

Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau missed the 2022 World Cup due to a fractured tibia but now starts as co-host Canada's number one. Determined to make up for lost time in front of a partisan home crowd, Crepeau kept a clean sheet against debutants Uzbekistan on June 1. He will be brimming with confidence when Canada begin their campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Defenders with Goal Threat

Johan Vasquez (Mexico)

Defenders who score goals often become crucial differentials. Mexico's Johan Vasquez has found the net in each of his country's two most recent friendlies, against Australia and Serbia. At just $4.7 million, the Genoa captain is an affordable option and will have South Africa in his sights as the co-hosts open the tournament on Thursday.

Guela Doue (Cote d'Ivoire)

Many fantasy teams include a Doue, likely France midfielder Desire. However, his older brother Guela, a right back for Cote d'Ivoire, offers potential value at nearly half the price. The 23-year-old impressed when Cote d'Ivoire faced France on June 4, registering a goal and an assist in a 2-1 victory.

Midfielders with Scoring Touch

Ziko (Egypt)

Egypt midfielder Ziko, whose name seems made for the World Cup, has been in terrific form. He headed the winner in a 1-0 victory over Russia on May 28, then scored the consolation goal in a 2-1 loss to Brazil on June 6. At $4.2 million, Ziko is a shrewd acquisition for managers seeking goal threats in midfield.

Michael Olise (France)

Hardly an unknown quantity and far from a bargain, Michael Olise increasingly looks indispensable. The Bayern Munich star enjoyed a sensational 2025/26 club season and has carried that form into the World Cup buildup. On June 8, he scored a hat-trick as France beat Northern Ireland 3-1. Senegal will face a tough task containing him in their Group I clash on June 16.

Forward Value Pick

Lawrence Shankland (Scotland)

With Brazil and Morocco later in the group, Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland may not seem a safe bet for long-term returns. However, he is in a rich vein of goal-scoring form and could be a smart left-field pick for Scotland's Group C opener against Haiti.