The Fantasy Club World Cup is finally here, and with a packed schedule and global stars on show, getting your picks right from the start is key. Group Stage 1/3 offers a fascinating mix of elite clashes and under-the-radar matchups – perfect conditions for fantasy gems to shine. Whether you’re chasing clean sheets, midfield maestros, or breakout attackers, we’ve lined up the best players to give you an edge. Let’s get into it.
🧤 Éderson (Manchester City vs Wydad AC)
In such a packed tournament, clean sheets are gold. Ederson, with his footwork and deep playmaking, is vital to City’s buildup. Against Wydad AC, the Citizens are clear favorites, and their defense is expected to give away very little. You’ll struggle to find a more reliable choice between the sticks.
🧱 Francesco Acerbi (Monterrey vs Inter)
A guarantee of reliability and balance. In big tournaments, Acerbi thrives thanks to his focus and positional awareness, and against Monterrey, he could even make his mark in the air on set pieces. A defender who rarely puts a foot wrong, he’s ideal for those looking for consistency at the back.
©️ Nicolás Otamendi (Boca Juniors vs Benfica)
Experience, leadership, and a warrior’s mindset, a true leader! We suggest choosing Benfica’s captain as your fantasy team captain as well, as he is exactly the kind of defender who knows how to assert himself in a heated clash like this one against Boca. Strong in the air and often dangerous from corners and set pieces. Otamendi can deliver points both defensively and offensively.
🛡️ Nehuén Pérez (Palmeiras vs Porto)
An Argentine defender with great anticipation skills and international experience. At Porto, he’s earned trust and responsibility, and against Palmeiras, he’ll need to step up as a leader. Sharp in duels and reliable in closing down, he can also be valuable in terms of defensive bonus points.
🥶 Cole Palmer (Chelsea vs LAFC)
In the Premier League, he has taken Chelsea by the hand with a flurry of goals and assists. Against LAFC, a team that tends to leave space, Cold Palmer could thrive between midfield and defense. One of the most explosive profiles for this matchday.
🎯 Franco Mastantuono (River Plate vs Urawa Reds)
Born in 2007, a left-footed pure talent courted by half of Europe and already promised to Real Madrid. River are expected to dominate possession against Urawa, and Mastantuono will be at the heart of it all. A potential bonus machine, and a serious threat as free-kicks taker. Boca fans know it very well!
💪 Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich vs Auckland City)
Dominant physique, great timing in runs, and a powerful shot, Goretzka can be devastating in this kind of match. Bayern are expected to control the game, and the German midfielder could capitalize on second balls and late runs into the box. Keep an eye on his defensive contribution too: he scores points at both ends.
🌪️ Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid vs Al Hilal)
Jude has proven several times to be much more than just an attacking midfielder. In a match where Los Blancos are expected to dominate possession, Jude can dictate the tempo, time his runs to perfection, and strike in front of goal. He is a master in finding space between the lines. Complete, commanding, and always with a star’s instinct, leaving him out is nearly impossible.
⚡ Estêvão (Palmeiras vs Porto)
Nicknamed Messinho in Brazil. Need we say more…? Actually yes, because this young Palmeiras baller has sublime technique and unpredictable bursts of speed. Whether starting or coming off the bench, he can cause serious problems down Porto’s weaker flank. A perfect pick for risk-takers who love betting on exciting prospects.
📞 Desiré Doué (PSG vs Atletico Madrid)
Luis Enrique calls, Desiré always answers! The French boy born in 2005 went from a virtual unknown at the start of the 2024/25 season to one of the most popular and beloved players in the world. The hero of the Monaco final vs Inter. Against Cholo’s Atletico, in what could be a tight affair, he could be the game-breaker with his line-breaking dribbles.
🌟 Kenan Yildiz (Al Ain vs Juventus)
We wrap up the attacking trio with the ultimate starboy. Juventus are expected to push forward against a clearly inferior Al Ain side, and Yildiz has all the tools to shine. Wearing the number 10 shirt, he often drifts between the lines and constantly looks for goal. A top-tier pick for anyone who loves betting on high-quality players who can emerge as lethal finishers in this tournament.
That’s our squad of smart picks for the opening round. Reliable names, rising stars, and just the right amount of fantasy flair. With matchday one around the corner, it’s time to lock in your lineup and trust the data. And remember: in a tournament like this, one good call can make all the difference. Keep your eyes on the matches, and your finger on the Sofascore app.