What to expect in Matchday 1

World Cup Fantasy is only days away and many managers will be building be building their squads ahead of the first round. We look at what to expect in Matchday 1 whilst also highlighting assets that standout ahead of their first fixture.

Taking a look at what to expect from Matchday 1 can help managers whilst they prepare their teams and plans. Highlighting teams’ strengths, weaknesses and assets can bring clarity upon selecting options within our fantasy teams.

Qatar v Ecuador

This will be the opening game in the World Cup. If the hosts are expecting anything from their group stage matches, this could be their best opportunity to do that. Qatar will be relying on key player and forward Akram Afif (£4.5m). At the time of writing, Afif managed four goals and four assists in his last 10 matches for Qatar.

Fantasy managers could also be looking to Ecuador’s defensive assets. One of those could be goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez (£4.5m).

England v Iran

England will be expected to win here. Striker Harry Kane (£11m) will be favoured amongst the community. However, it could be the defence where most flock to. Luke Shaw and Kieran Trippier both come in at just £5m in the game.

If Iran are looking to do anything, they will need their forwards to be in fine form. Penalty taker and £4.5m striker Sardar Azmoun scored 10 goals in his seven World Cup qualifiers.

Senegal v Netherlands

If this game wasn’t tough enough for Senegal, it just got tougher. Senegal confirmed that star man Sadio Mane will miss out which means they could struggle for goals. Netherlands could also be missing their star man. Striker Memphis Depay (£8.5m) is due to feature but not start.

Netherlands Defender Dumfries (£6m) will be heavily owned within the community. The wing back could be considered as fantasy gold due to his explosive offensive ability.

USA v Wales

Both teams could fly under the radar in terms of their asset’s ownership. It could be tough for both sides to break each other down which could increase the appeal of their defensive assets. One defender that could considered is Antonee Robinson of USA (£4m).

For those that want to look to attack. Wales Forward Gareth Bale (£8m) could be the go-to offensive asset. Bale is the focal point to the Welsh attack and also takes penalties and free kicks.

Argentina v Saudi Arabia

Argentina come into the match unbeaten since 2019. The Argentines will be popular for fantasy players and there are several standout options that could make the cut. One of those assets is the world class Lionel Messi (£10.5m). At the time of writing, Messi has managed to pick up 11 goals and two assists in his last 10 matches for Argentina.

Those looking for cheap enablers could look to Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul (£5m). Rodrigo De Paul managed one goal and four assists in his World Cup qualifiers.

Denmark v Tunisia

Many fans will be expecting a comfortable win for Denmark. The Danes have some fantastic assets like defender Joakim Mæhle (£4.5m). The defender is another player that could be considered as fantasy gold and could make the majority of experienced managers teams.

Denmark midfielder Skov Olsen’s (£6m) form may be hard to ignore as he scored five goals and created three assists in his 10 World Cup qualifying matches. Tunisia midfielder Wahbi Khazri (£4.5m) could be one of the best enablers in the game. Khazri can play in a striker’s position and also takes his teams penalties.

Mexico v Poland

This could be a very tightly contested match. Due to their recent form and group, fantasy managers have been put off by investing in both teams assets. However, Polish defender Matty Cash comes in a just £4m in the game.

Another asset many could select is Polish striker Robert Lewandowski (£10m). Lewandowski hit nine goals and four assists in his World Cup qualifiers. That tallies to 13 returns in his nine matches.

France v Australia

France will be huge favourites to win this one. Not only that, but many will be favouring this fixture to utilise their captaincy. France forward Kylian Mbappe (£11.5m) comes into the match in incredible form. The PSG star has hit 12 goals and two assists this season for his club domestically. That totals to 14 goal contributions in 14 matches played.

Morocco v Croatia

Croatia are expected to win. But it may not be easy. Croatia have some fantastic World Cup Fantasy assets like midfielder Luka Modric (£8.5m). The veteran takes his teams penalties, maintains fantastic key pass stats and takes set pieces. For those reasons, he could be favoured by fantasy managers.

Managers could take a risk and back Morocco midfielder and penalty taker Sofiane Boufal (£6m). His fantastic African Cup of Nations campaign saw him become one of the most popular assets in World Cup Fantasy.

Germany v Japan

To the untrained eye Germany could be big favourites but to those that have monitored Japan, they will know it could be an awkward fixture for the Germans. Midfielders Jamal Musiala (£8m) and Joshua Kimmich (£7m) could be the standout assets for Germany.

For those looking to invest in the very capable Japan attack, the in-form Daichi Kamada (£5.5m) could be the one. Kamada has picked up 10 returns in his 11 league games this season.

Spain v Costa Rica

Spain will be favourites to win and win well against Costa Rica. The issue with the Spain attack is rotation. They also don’t have any standout attacking assets other than Ferran Torres (£7m). Torres managed four goals in his six World Cup qualifiers.

Belgium v Canada

There will be better teams to back than Canada in this tournament, even when it comes to seeking out budget players. Belgium are expected to win but they will have to do it without main striker Romelu Lukaku (£9.5m). The forward is currently injured.

The standout asset is Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne (£11m). De Bruyne has managed three goals and nine assists so far in the league this season.

Switzerland v Cameroon

Switzerland and Cameroon are two teams many may choose to avoid when building their fantasy teams. The Swiss are leaking goals but they are also fully capable of scoring too. One of the standout assets for Switzerland is Breel Embolo. Embolo has not been added to the game yet. But scored three goals and created three assists in his World Cup qualifiers.

Uruguay v South Korea

It could be an awkward match for Uruguay. However, they will still be expected to win. Uruguay’s recent seven clean sheets in 10 matches are enough to be interested in their defence. Goalkeeper Sergio Rochet (£4m) comes in at a fantastic price and is expected to start.

Portugal v Ghana

Portugal will be favourites to win in this fixture. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa (£5m) sits at a fantastic price. Costa saved three penalties and created an assist in his recent Champions League campaign for Porto.

Two more assets that could attract fantasy managers are defender Joao Cancelo (£6m) and striker Cristiano Ronaldo (10m).

Brazil v Serbia

Brazil are the favourites to win the World Cup. Serbia could be tough, and their recent form suggests that. However, Brazil forward Neymar (£10.5m) is in fine form and also takes his teams penalties. Although the Brazil defence is strong, their offensive capabilities indicate there could be better options elsewhere.