Who to Pick for the 2026 World Cup Fantasy Football: Matchday 3 Guide (24 – 25 August)

By Eduard Bănulescu

It’s crunch time in the 2026 Fantasy Football World Cup, with some of the biggest teams still working on making their way out of the groups. And are you looking to assemble a winning selection ahead of Matchday 3? Got you covered!

I’ve been writing fantasy football guides for over eight years. I’m letting you in on a few secrets. Here are the players that you need on your teams, those you need to avoid, and info about set-piece and penalty takers.

If this doesn’t work, you’re stuck playing on your console for the rest of the Summer.

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World Cup Fantasy Picks: Matchday 1 Guide (June 24–25) – Win XFC Rewards

The Matchday 3 Slate

Set-Piece & Penalty Matrix

The “Locks” – Players You Need

Morocco – Haiti

Morocco has been playing brilliantly at this World Cup. The Africans are saying, after all, that they plan to win the whole thing by 2030. Haiti, meanwhile, has done better than expected.

Neither team has much to play for here. Morocco can live with a second-place group finish. Still, I think that there are players here that you need.

Bono will likely start and keep a clean sheet. He’s a good pick for goalie for Matchday 3.

Saibari is in excellent form and is an affordable pick. The exact same can be said about El Aynoui and Riad.

Scotland – Brazil

Finally, a game with some jeopardy. Scotland need a win to ensure qualification. Brazil would like to avoid a second-place finish here.

Sadly, Scotland was atrocious against Morocco. Regardless, I think McTominay, Tierney and McGinn will put up a real fight.

Meanwhile, if budget allows it, I suggest picking some of Brazil’s defenders for this one, with Douglas Santos and Marquinhos the chief picks. Vinicius Jr. is an essential pick.

And there’s a sense of intrigue about what Rayan is going to do here if he does get the chance to start, as has been advertised recently.

I also like Alisson, but perhaps as a secondary option to Bono for your 2026 World Cup fantasy football selection.

The “Enablers” – Players that Might Surprise You

South Africa – South Korea

Sadly, neither South Africa nor South Korea have quite impressed at this World Cup. Fortunately for them, both teams can still qualify. This should bring out the best in the players.

I still have some faith in goalie Williams. Modiba, Mbokazi, and Mbatha are strong, affordable options if you need a few players to flesh out an already expensively assembled fantasy football squad.

But it’s the Koreans who have the real flair here. Son, K. Lee, and Hwang, finally, become essential picks because of the sheer stakes of the game.

Han-Beom is a great outside shout. The Korean made 9 clearances and had 50 successful passes last time he played.

Czech Republic – Mexico

Mexico is already qualified after performing above expectations. Czechia, meanwhile, has been borderline terrible. However, the Europeans are known to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

I have always been a fan of Czechia. But I can’t find much to enjoy this time. I like Krejci‘s commitment. I think he can be picked alongside veteran Coufal.

Mexico’s just here to please the audience. Quinones‘ speed will be important here. Gimenez can take advantage of his chance to play. Lira has been very good so far.

The “Wild Cards” – Players You Probably Don’t Need

Bosnia & Herzegovina – Qatar

Both teams did well to secure one point so far. Both teams can secure qualification with a good display in their final game.

Surprisingly, it’s been Bosnia’s youngsters that have done best. Tahirovic, Mahmic, Basic, and Alajbegovic should be on your fantasy football radar.

I’ve also liked Qatar’s midfielder Khoukhi and defender Carvalho.

Switzerland – Canada

Both the Swiss and the Canadians are riding high after last week’s victories. And while both would like to avoid a tougher draw in the knockout stage, this has a draw written all over it.

Switzerland’s midfield might have a few players worth considering. These, in my estimation, are Freuler, Aebischer and team leader Xhaka. I’ve also liked Akanji‘s commitment, but he may be a pick that is a little too expensive.

Young striker Manzambi looks at least a class above Embolo and Vargas, but he is unlikely to start.

Canada, meanwhile, are soaking in the good vibes and will keep crossing the ball over to J. David and Larin. It’s worked so far.

Eustaquio and Johnston have also impressed me. Their stats suggest that they could be strong options for your fantasy football team for Matchday 3.

The “Traps” – Players You Should Avoid

Hakimi and Mazroui are playing good football at the moment. But with the qualification almost in the bag, they are unlikely to play the full 90 minutes.

Cunha scored against Haiti. However, Scotland may prove slightly stronger opposition.

Mokoena‘s performance was one of South Africa’s few bright spots. He will, however, be suspended here.

Been disappointed with Schick and Hlozek‘s uninspired displays. I can’t see a reason why you would pick them.

There are better options than Bosnia’s veterans Kolasinac and Dzeko.

Finally, Switzerland’s starting attacking players: Ndoye, Embolo, and Vargas have not convinced me.

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