Fantasy Football Debuts for World Cup 2026

The official World Cup 2026 fantasy game is now live, with Aramco backing the launch. Fans can build a 15-player squad, chase points across global leaderboards, and target both nation-based and regional rankings.

Big-name stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, and Erling Haaland are expected to be among the most popular selections as managers try to balance star power with budget limits.

How the game works

Managers start with a $100 million budget and must construct a squad that fits the tournament rules. The lineup must include 2 goalkeepers, 5 defenders, 5 midfielders, and 3 forwards, and player prices stay fixed throughout the competition.

• Only a limited number of players can come from the same country, with group-stage teams capped at three per nation.
• Unlimited transfers are available before the opening match and again before the Round of 32.
• Later rounds use normal transfer rules, so early planning matters.
• Matchday tools let users swap bench players and change captains while games are active.
• Available chips include Wildcard, 12th Man, Maximum Captain, Qualification Booster, and a Mystery Booster that will appear before the Round of 32.

How points are earned

Scoring is based on real match performance, so every minute and every action can matter. Players gain points for minutes played, goals, assists, and other key on-field events.

• Positive scoring comes from minutes, goals, assists, tackles, chances created, and shots on target.
• Negative outcomes include cards, own goals, and penalties conceded.
• Free-kick goals bring extra value.
• A scouting bonus rewards low-owned players who score more than four points in a match.

Top prices and value picks

The cost of elite talent reflects the pressure of fitting world-class players into one budget. Haaland, Kane, and Mbappe sit at the top of the pricing list at $10.5 million each, while Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are listed at $10 million.

Among defenders, Portugal’s Nuno Mendes leads the way at $5.8 million. In goal, the premium names include Brazil’s Ederson and Alisson Becker, plus Spain’s David Raya and Unai Simon.

Valuations also show the influence of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking, with the strongest nations dominating the upper end of the market. England and France stand out most clearly, with five of the 25 most expensive players each.

Historical note: Mbappe won the adidas Golden Boot at Qatar 2022. The award began as the Golden Shoe in 1982 and was renamed in 2010 to honor the tournament’s top scorer.

Regional standouts beyond Europe

The new Confederation Challenge Leaderboard adds another layer of strategy by tracking how users perform across different regions. That makes value outside Europe especially important for managers looking to climb in multiple standings.

• Africa: Mohamed Salah is priced at $10 million, with Omar Marmoush following at $7.8 million.
• Asia: Son Heungmin leads at $7.4 million, while Salem Al Dawsari is close behind at $7.2 million.
• North America: Jonathan David, Raul Jimenez, and Christian Pulisic are all priced at $7 million.
• Oceania: Chris Wood is the top option for New Zealand at $6.5 million.

For managers, the challenge is straightforward: identify elite scorers, stay within the budget, and use the chip system at the right moments. With the tournament’s scale and regional competition built into the game, every transfer decision carries extra weight.