The excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches a new peak as the tournament enters the knockout stage. With the Round of 32 fixtures set, predicted lineups have emerged for the competing nations. These projections serve as a valuable guide for Fantasy World Cup managers searching for guaranteed starters, key figures, and differential selections ahead of the crucial matches.
African Contenders Prepare for Battle
Five African nations are gearing up for their knockout ties, with strong lineups expected across the board.
South Africa are projected to field Ronwen Williams in goal. The defensive unit is expected to feature Khuliso Mudau, Thabiso Okon, Thabiso Mbokazi, and Aubrey Modiba. Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole are tipped to anchor the midfield, while Patrick Maswanganyi Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Cassius Maseko support striker Evidence Makgopa.
Egypt will rely on goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, with Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Rami Rabia, and Ahmed Fatouh forming the defence. Akram Attia and Mahmoud Saber are predicted to start in midfield, allowing Mohamed Salah, Imam Ashour, and Ahmed Sayed Zizo to play behind forward Omar Marmoush.
Morocco boast a star-studded expected lineup. Yassine Bono starts in goal behind Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Chadi Riad, and Noussair Mazraoui. Ayoub Bouaddi and Neil El Aynaoui are projected in midfield, with Brahim Díaz, Azzedine Ounahi, and Bilal El Khannouss supporting Ismael Saibari.
Ivory Coast are predicted to start Yahia Fofana in goal. The back four consists of Guela Doué, Ousmane Diomande, Odilon Kossounou, and Ghislain Konan. Ibrahim Sangaré, Franck Kessié, and Mario Oulai are expected in midfield, with Nicolas Pépé, Alexandre Bonny, and Oumar Diomande leading the attack.
Cape Verde are tipped to start Vozinha in goal, behind Wagner Pina, Roberto Lopes, Diney, and Lopes Cabral. Kevin Lenini and Jamiro Monteiro are expected to shield the defence, with Ryan Mendes, Deroy Duarte, and Willy Semedo supporting Gilson da Costa up front.
Global Heavyweights and Star Names
The world’s biggest footballing nations are also preparing their strongest possible starting elevens for the Round of 32.
France are expected to line up with Mike Maignan in goal. Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, and Theo Hernández make up the defence. Aurélien Tchouaméni and Manu Koné are tipped for midfield roles, with Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and Désiré Doué supporting star forward Kylian Mbappé.
Argentina will look to Lionel Messi to lead their attack alongside Julián Álvarez and Thiago Almada. Emiliano Martínez is expected in goal, with Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, and Facundo Medina in defence. Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, and Rodrigo De Paul are predicted to start in midfield.
Germany are projected to start Manuel Neuer in goal, shielded by Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rüdiger, Jonathan Tah, and David Raum. Felix Nmecha and Aleksandar Pavlovic could anchor the midfield, with Leroy Sané, Jamal Musiala, and Florian Wirtz supporting Kai Havertz.
Brazil are expected to field Alisson in goal, with Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, and Douglas Santos in defence. Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães are tipped for midfield duties, while Rayan, Lucas Paquetá, and Vinícius Jr. support forward Matheus Cunha.
Norway will rely on the goalscoring prowess of Erling Haaland. He is expected to be flanked by Oscar Bobb and Antonio Nusa, with Sander Berge, Martin Ødegaard, and Fredrik Aursnes in midfield. Ørjan Nyland starts in goal behind Marcus Pedersen, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjørn Heggem, and David Møller Wolfe.