We are here with our top 5 best Striker picks this week for the Quarter Finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Fantasy game. The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached the quarter-final stage, and fantasy managers now face some huge selection decisions. With only eight teams remaining, every transfer and captaincy choice can make a massive difference in overall rankings.
Strikers are expected to play a crucial role this week, especially with several elite forwards enjoying outstanding tournaments. From proven superstars like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé to differential options such as Mikel Oyarzabal, here are the five best striker picks for the FIFA World Cup Fantasy quarter-finals.
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina) – $10.0M
Quarter-final fixture: Argentina vs Switzerland
It has been yet another magical World Cup campaign for Lionel Messi. The Argentine captain is in sensational form and continues to rewrite the record books.
Messi currently leads the Golden Boot race with an incredible eight goals and looks unstoppable heading into the quarter-finals. More importantly for fantasy managers, he remains Argentina's primary attacking outlet, taking penalties and being involved in almost every dangerous move.
The fixture against Switzerland is also relatively favourable compared to some of the other heavyweight clashes in the quarter-finals.
With his form, leadership and consistency, Messi is arguably the safest captaincy option this week.
Why pick him?
Tournament-leading eight goals
In Brilliant form
Favourable fixture against Switzerland
Outstanding captaincy option
2. Kylian Mbappé (France) – $10.5M
Quarter-final fixture: France vs Morocco
Mbappé is once again proving why he is one of the most devastating forwards in world football.
The French superstar has already scored seven goals in the tournament and is in a fierce battle with Messi for the Golden Boot. Although France face a difficult test against Morocco, Mbappé possesses the ability to unlock even the most organised defences.
His explosive pace, dribbling and finishing make him a dangerous fantasy asset regardless of the opposition.
Ignoring Mbappé simply because of the fixture could prove to be a costly mistake.
Why pick him?
Seven goals already scored
France's main attacking weapon
Massive explosive potential
Strong captaincy alternative
3. Erling Haaland (Norway) – $10.5M
Quarter-final fixture: Norway vs England
Erling Haaland reminded the world of his quality in the Round of 16 by almost single-handedly eliminating Brazil.
The Norwegian striker scored a sensational brace to knock out one of the tournament favourites and heads into the quarter-finals full of confidence.
England represent a tough challenge, but Haaland's experience against Premier League defenders could prove extremely valuable. Having spent years terrorising English defences with Manchester City, he knows many of these players inside out.
Few players in world football can match Haaland's goalscoring instincts, making him a premium fantasy option despite the difficult fixture.
Why pick him?
Coming off a brilliant brace against Brazil
Proven big-game player
Familiar with England's defenders
Elite finishing ability
4. Harry Kane (England) – $10.5M
Quarter-final fixture: England vs Norway
Harry Kane continues to be the focal point of England's attack.
The England captain has already scored five goals in the tournament and remains one of the most reliable forwards in FIFA World Cup Fantasy.
Everything in England's attack is built around Kane. He takes penalties, plays every important minute and consistently gets into dangerous positions.
Norway's defence has looked vulnerable at times during the competition, which could allow Kane to add to his impressive tally.
Why pick him?
Five tournament goals
England's penalty taker
Guaranteed starter
Excellent all-round fantasy option
5. Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain) – $8.1M
Quarter-final fixture: Spain vs Belgium
For fantasy managers seeking a differential, Mikel Oyarzabal could be the perfect choice.
The Spanish forward has quietly put together an excellent tournament, scoring four goals and consistently delivering attacking returns.
At just $8.1M, he is considerably cheaper than the premium forwards and could free up funds elsewhere in your squad.
Spain's clash with Belgium looks relatively balanced, and Oyarzabal's form makes him one of the standout budget picks for the quarter-finals.
Why pick him?
Four goals in the tournament
Excellent value at $8.1M
Lower ownership differential
Allows more flexibility in squad building
Final Verdict
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé remain the premium striker choices for the quarter-finals. Harry Kane and Erling Haaland offer elite goalscoring potential despite difficult fixtures, while Mikel Oyarzabal stands out as the perfect differential option for managers looking to gain an edge.
Choosing the right forwards could ultimately decide your FIFA World Cup Fantasy ranking as the race toward the final reaches its most exciting stage.
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