Which countries should feature in your Fifa World Cup fantasy football team?

 It is important to have a great striker or two, and a few scoring mid-fielders can add huge value to your team, but if you don’t look at the countries themselves you could be in for trouble. There is no point in filling your team with top players from countries that are unlikely to get out of their group or put in a keeper that you like without looking at the opposition he will have to defend against. Here are a few countries that you should consider with a good group when you are building your team.

The Netherlands

Usually a strong team anyway and with plenty of wins under their belt, they are also in group A which includes the hosts Qatar. They aren’t contenders for the big prize but are highly likely to make it through to the next round and a good choice for defenders and keeper as they are unlikely to let in many goals.

England

Group B is where you find England battling against Iran, the USA and Wales. Last tournament’s semi-finalists, England should sweep the group, though surprises do happen all too often at the World Cup. Still, they are well ranked in the tournament overall and well worth including in any fantasy soccer team. The rest of the group could go several ways, so unless you have a favourite player or team it may be one group to avoid.

Note: The fantasy soccer team league we are linking to here is only available in Australia, however, there are many different leagues for you to choose from depending on where you are based.

Argentina

Though it has been a while since Argentina have actually won a World Cup they were runners up in 2014 and this could be a great year for the team. Group C does have the possibility of a few challenges for the country but they are rated to go through to the knock out stages and beyond, and should score some goals.

France

Group D has an interesting mix of teams, but last tournament’s champions, France, have to be the top pick here. With a fantastic team once again looking to go all the way, having a French player or more in your fantasy team would be a safe bet. Just make sure you know who is going to start each match and play. There are many excellent players in the French team and some of the top names may not play in the first few games, which would mean lost points for your fantasy soccer team. Denmark could well go far as well, but may not be the choice for defenders against the reigning champs.

Germany

In group E you will find Germany, the winner two tournaments ago and still a very strong side indeed. While Spain will pose a challenge, Germany are still a good bet to get out of the group and contenders to go far into the competition and perhaps even all the way.

Spain

Similarly, Spain will have to face down Germany early in the competition but should find themselves comfortably reaching the later stages of the World Cup 2022 and may even go all the way. Where they rank in the group if they do get out will determine if their next game is likely to be easier or harder, though there are always upsets at every competition and calling any World Cup match easy could be tempting fate.

Belgium

Though they have never actually won a World Cup (yet), last competition’s third place winner Belgium has a good chance in group F. 2018 saw them winning all three of their group games which could leave them feeling confident of their chances this time, and though Croatia did an excellent job in Russia, Belgium is our favourite to go further this time around.

Brazil

Brazil remains the country to have won the most World Cups ever, and they are looking strong once again. Group G has an interesting mix of countries that will be looking to come second, but Brazil is the favourite to go out on top putting them in a great position for the next round. They are definitely a team worth including in your fantasy soccer choices.

Portugal

Lastly in Group H we find Portugal with Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the best players in the world, a good group that they will probably do very well in, and a good shot of going far in the tournament.

While it is easy to think only of the golden boot, and players that are sure to shine, make sure you consider the countries and their line ups when building your fantasy soccer team this World Cup.