The second round of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup group stage is heating up. Teams are starting to crunch the numbers, and every Fantasy pick can make a big difference. Here are our role-by-role suggestions for Round 2. Eleven players to watch based on form, opposition, and tactical context.
🧤 Michele Di Gregorio (Juventus vs Wydad AC)
Juventus now face Wydad, a team far less dangerous on paper than Al Ain. Di Gregorio is a strong candidate for a clean sheet, helped by a focused and reliable Italian bianconeri backline. Should be a pretty good low-cost option with bonus potential.
🚂 Fran García (Real Madrid vs CF Pachuca)
Real Madrid take on Mexican side Pachuca, brave going forward, but exposed at the back. Fran García will have space to push up the left flank, offering assist potential and offensive output. The risk of losing points is low, and it’s a favorable matchup: a safe and smart pick.
🛡️ Thiago Silva (Fluminense vs Ulsan HD)
The Brazilian veteran remains a defensive rock for Fluminense. Against Ulsan, who lack technical quality, Silva’s leadership and experience should shine. Besides clean sheet potential, he’s always a threat from set-pieces with his aerial presence.
🩸 Sergio Ramos (River Plate vs CF Monterrey)
Some things never change. Expect a fiery encounter, and Ramos thrives in exactly these kinds of battles. He showed against Inter he’s still deadly in the air with headers, even at 39! He remains the vocal and physical leader of Monterrey’s squad.
⚔️ Renato Sanches (Benfica vs Auckland City)
A must-win game for Benfica, who should dominate proceedings. Auckland will try to avoid another blowout like the one against Bayern. Renato has freedom to surge forward and bring physicality in midfield, where the Portuguese should have the edge. Goal or assist potential, plus lots of ball recoveries.
🕶️ Michael Olise (Bayern Munich vs Boca Juniors)
The Frenchman has fully integrated into Bayern’s system. Against a solid but slower Boca side, Olise can shine in 1v1 situations and create overloads. He takes set pieces and is in top form, he proved it vs Auckland. A top pick!
🇩🇪 Julian Brandt (Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund)
Brandt is in great form and against a Mamelodi side he should find plenty of space between the lines. Playing close to the striker, he times his runs perfectly. A smart fantasy pick, he will prove it!
⚡️ Estêvão (Palmeiras vs Al Ahly)
We’re backing the Brazilian wonderkid once again. He’s already shown glimpses of brilliance, dribbling, flair and an impressive knack for goal considering his age. Against Al Ahly, he could find room to operate and make something happen. A luxury gamble with huge upside.
🇫🇷 Antoine Griezmann (Seattle Sounders vs Atlético Madrid)
The heart and brain of Atlético. He plays almost everywhere, but is always close to the box. Against Seattle, he’ll enjoy more freedom than in European ties. A free-kick, a smart move, a goal, Griezou can turn the match in an instant. A must-watch!
🐂 Lautaro Martinez (Inter vs Urawa Reds)
El Toro is a must-pick for Inter vs Urawa Reds. As Inter’s captain and main goal threat, he’s likely to dominate against a weaker defense. Expect high involvement, shots, and a strong desire for redemption among the Nerazzurri in a match tilted heavily in their favor.
🤖 Erling Haaland (Manchester City vs Al Ain)
The most obvious name and also the one with the highest ceiling. City are expected to dominate and create plenty of chances, and Haaland is the ultimate finisher. What more needs to be said? The ideal captain choice and a Fantasy must-have for this round.
A fascinating matchday with plenty of uneven fixtures, perfect for targeting heavy Fantasy returns. Keep an eye on rotation and minute management though: teams like City and Real might rotate, but all the players listed here have a strong chance of starting or making an impact off the bench.
Set your lineups and remember: in short tournaments like this, every point matters. Good luck, Fantasy managers!