El-Balad is excited to introduce the FIFA World Cup 2026 Fantasy Game, a thrilling opportunity for football fans to showcase their managerial skills. This year, the tournament will feature an expanded format with 48 teams competing from 11 June to 19 July 2026.
Guide to Playing the FIFA World Cup 2026 Fantasy Game
How to Play: Basic Rules
Just like the Fantasy Premier League (FPL), participants will choose a squad comprising 15 players. This includes:
- 2 goalkeepers
- 5 defenders
- 5 midfielders
- 3 forwards
Players must select a starting eleven using various formations:
- 4-4-2
- 4-3-3
- 4-5-1
- 3-4-3
- 3-5-2
- 5-4-1
- 5-3-2
The initial budget is set at $100 million, increasing to $105 million from the Round of 32 onwards. Player prices will remain fixed throughout the tournament.
Player Restrictions by Tournament Stage
| Tournament Stage | Maximum Players per Nation |
|---|---|
| Group Stage | 3 players |
| Round of 32 | 3 players |
| Round of 16 | 4 players |
| Quarter-Finals | 5 players |
| Semi-Finals | 6 players |
| Final | 8 players |
Team Management
Managers can make unlimited changes to their team before the first match kicks off at 20:00 UK time on 11 June. After the match begins, substitutions can still be made during a Matchday, but they must follow specific guidelines. If a player is replaced, points will only count from the new entrant.
Scoring Points
Point scoring will be similar to FPL but with some differences. For example:
- Players earn extra points for goals scored.
- Defensive actions will now be evaluated differently, with midfielders earning points for tackles and chances created.
- Defenders and goalkeepers receive points for maintaining clean sheets.
Additional point modifications apply for penalties and goals conceded beyond the first.
Transfers
Each manager has a specific allocation of transfers during the tournament:
- Unlimited transfers before the tournament starts
- 2 transfers before Matchday 2
- 2 transfers before Matchday 3
- Unlimited transfers before the Round of 32
- 4 transfers before the Round of 16
- 4 transfers before the Quarter-Finals
- 5 transfers before the Semi-Finals
- 6 transfers before the Final
Managers can roll over a transfer to the next Matchday during the group stage. However, rolling over is not possible when crossing into the Round of 32.
Boosters and Chips
Throughout the tournament, managers will have access to various boosters to enhance their strategies. These include:
- Wildcard: Unlimited transfers for a single round.
- 12th Man: An additional player with no team restrictions.
- Maximum Captain: Guarantees double points for the highest scorer.
- Qualification Booster: Provides extra points for winning players from the Round of 32 onwards.
- Mystery Booster: Details will be revealed prior to the Round of 32 deadline.
Now that you are familiar with the FIFA World Cup 2026 Fantasy Game rules, head over to El-Balad to create your squad and enjoy the tournament!
