How has your World Cup 2026 Fantasy Football squad started the tournament? Flying high at the top of the league, or in desperate need to add points after a dreadful start?
Last week, we provided you with all of our top tips and bargain buys for your frontline, midfield, defence and in between the sticks, and throughout the tournament, we’ll be keeping you up to date with the best players to transfer into your team as the tournament progresses.
Whether you’ve built up an early lead or need some early surgery on your squad to mount a title challenge, World Cup 2026 Fantasy Football will allow you to make two free transfers ahead of the second round of group fixtures, which start on Thursday, 18 June.
For the final time, here are the 8 players we recommend you must transfer in your fantasy team this week. Don’t forget, the deadline to make these changes is 5pm tomorrow (June 18) before Czechia vs South Africa in Group A.
5. Enner Valencia - Ecuador - 5.9m
The veteran centre-forward boasts an impressive goal-scoring record at international level, with 49 goals scored for Ecuador in 105 appearances. Their 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast in their opening game makes the clash with Curacao a must-win, and the ex-West Ham United striker is the most likely to break a leaky Blue Wave defence that has already conceded seven goals at the tournament. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
6. Gabriel Magalhaes - Brazil - 5.5m
He may have had an underwhelming opening game against Morocco, but the Arsenal centre-back offers a goal threat from set-pieces, is a nailed-on starter and is a safe enough bet to keep a clean sheet against Haiti, where Brazil are huge favourites to win. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
7. Kylian Mbappe - France - 10.5m
His second-half performance vs Senegal was a real statement of intent, not that he needed any introduction, and will leave many fans wondering if they should opt to transfer in one of him, Lionel Messi or Erling Haaland for game week two. With Mbappe's team facing an Iraq side that conceded four goals in their World Cup opener against Norway next, we implore you to bring him into your team. He's almost guaranteed to get points. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
8. Nahuel Molina - Argentina - 4.4m
If you're looking for a low-cost defender with high point scoring potential, then the Atletico Madrid full-back might be your man. Came off the bench at half-time in the 3-0 win vs Algeria, and is in line to start when Argentina face Austria next Monday. A reliable option with the potential to grab an assist here and then, Molina is a good option if you're looking to add points but also save on some of your budget. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images