The official fantasy game for the FIFA World Cup 2026 has opened with backing from Aramco, giving fans a new way to follow the tournament. Players can build a 15-man squad, chase global and country-based rankings, and try to outthink millions of other managers.
Early interest is expected to center on names such as Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, and Erling Haaland, all of whom should be among the most popular selections once team building begins.
How the game is built
The format is designed to reward planning, squad balance, and timing rather than constant market movement. Managers will need to think carefully about where to spend their budget and when to save transfers for later rounds.
- Squad size: Each roster must include 15 players: 2 goalkeepers, 5 defenders, 5 midfielders, and 3 forwards.
- Starting budget: Teams begin with $100 million, then receive an extra $5 million when the knockout rounds start.
- Fixed prices: Player values do not rise or fall during the tournament.
- Country limits: The number of players from one nation is capped, with three allowed per country during the group stage.
- Transfers: Unlimited changes are available before the opening match on Thursday, 11 June, and again before the Round of 32.
- Matchday control: Managers can adjust captaincy and use bench substitutions while a Matchday is active.
Scoring system at a glance
Points come from live match performance, so even defensive players can become valuable if they contribute across multiple categories. The system rewards both basic output and more advanced in-game actions.
| Action | What counts |
|---|---|
| Minutes played | Consistency on the field adds value |
| Goals and assists | Major attacking contributions |
| Defensive events | Tackles, chances created, and shots on target |
| Discipline | Cards, own goals, and penalties conceded |
| Special bonuses | Free-kick goals and scouting rewards |
A scouting bonus is also available when a player owned by fewer than 5% of managers scores more than four points in a match. That rule creates room for low-owned differentials to matter in a big way.
Premium stars and price pressure
Fitting elite talent into a limited budget will be one of the toughest parts of the game, especially because top scorers carry premium prices. The most expensive forwards are Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappe at $10.5 million each, while Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo sit just behind them at $10 million.
Notable prices by position
- Defender: Portugal’s Nuno Mendes is the highest-priced defender at $5.8 million.
- Goalkeepers: Ederson, Alisson Becker, David Raya, and Unai Simon headline the top-tier options.
- Attack: The forward pool is expensive, but also likely to deliver the highest raw point totals.
The pricing model closely reflects the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking, and that trend is especially clear at the top end of the player pool. Among the 25 highest-priced players, 20 come from the six leading nations, with England and France offering the deepest premium talent at five players each.
Historical note: Kylian Mbappé won the adidas Golden Boot at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The award began as the Golden Shoe in 1982 and was renamed in 2010 to honor the tournament’s top scorer.
Value beyond Europe
The new Confederation Challenge Leaderboard makes it more important to look beyond the traditional power centers. Managers who spread their selections across regions may gain an edge in that separate competition.
| Region | Top-priced players |
|---|---|
| Africa | Mohamed Salah at $10 million and Omar Marmoush at $7.8 million |
| Asia | Son Heungmin at $7.4 million and Salem Al Dawsari at $7.2 million |
| North America hosts | Jonathan David, Raul Jimenez, and Christian Pulisic at $7 million each |
| Oceania | Chris Wood at $6.5 million |
For managers looking for balance, these regional options may help create a roster that is both competitive and budget-friendly. The launch gives fantasy players a long runway to study prices, compare squads, and prepare for the first deadline.