World Cup DFS Picks & Strategy: Friday, June 26th

by Zach Thompson (zt_sports) Last Updated 2026-06-26 15:23:50 Premium Content Part of the product Soccer Premium

The third day of the final matchweek of the Group Stage continues today, with three more groups stepping into the spotlight. Group G, Group H, and Group I will come to a conclusion today, leaving just three more groups on Saturday before the Knockout Stage kicks off on Sunday. With 6 games on the schedule today, DraftKings has some more great contests on the board in both Showdown and Classic formats, including slates at each kickoff window. For this article, we will focus on the featured 6-game slate that locks at 3:00 PM ET.

As Group Play wraps up, it’s important to remember that the top 2 teams from each group automatically advance to the Knockout Stage, while the top 8 3rd-place teams also move on. Also, when it comes to your DFS lineups, understanding who is playing for what can be critical to figuring out who will play and for how long in the final game of the Group Stage for these teams.

Today’s matchups begin at 3:00 PM ET in Group I, with France (2-0-0) taking on Norway (2-0-0). Both teams are already through to the Knockout Stage, with 1st place on the line for the winner. Iraq (0-0-2) and Senegal (0-0-2) meet in the other match. Each team needs a win to have a chance of advancing, with goal differential likely deciding if a winner gets through as a 3rd team from the group.

Group H takes the spotlight at 8:00 PM ET, as Spain (1-1-0) looks to wrap up the group by taking on Uruguay (0-2-0). Cape Verde is also 0-2-0 headed into their match with Saudi Arabia (0-1-1). While nothing is decided for sure, Spain looks very likely to win the group and advance, while Saudi Arabia would need to get a win against Cape Verde to have any hope of advancing after being beaten soundly by Spain. Uruguay was expected to move on coming into the tournament, but back-to-back draws leave them needing to equal or better Cape Verde’s result to secure the 2nd spot. Cape Verde has a great chance to move on with a win or draw.

The final games of the day come from Group G, where Egypt (1-1-0) has the top spot and control of their destiny if they can pick up a win over Iran (0-2-0). Like Iran, Belgium (0-2-0) has picked up draws in both of their matches, but a win tonight will almost guarantee a spot in the Knockout Round. New Zealand (0-1-1) needs to defeat Belgium if it wants to have a chance to advance.

If you’re new to soccer DFS, don’t worry! We have you covered with my Beginner’s Guide to Daily Fantasy Soccer, our soccer player projections, and our soccer optimizer (LineupHQ). And last but not least, don’t forget to check out our World Cup DFS Simulation tool.

Forwards

Top Play: Kylian Mbappe, France ($11,000)

Mbappe is the most expensive player on the slate with good reason, coming into Friday’s tough match with Norway. He has shown his exquisite touch and ability to finish in almost any spot on the pitch. He’s clearly the focus of the French offense, and he’ll look to continue his impressive World Cup in a favorable matchup against Norway and their shaky defense.

Mbappe had 2 goals on 4 shots (4 on goal) with 28.3 DraftKings points against Senegal and followed that with 2 more goals on 8 shots (3 on goal) to rack up 35.9 DraftKings points against Iraq.

The superstar attacker is producing great peripheral numbers in addition to his scoring and is a great pay-up piece to build around this Friday. I prefer his matchup to the matchup for Erling Haaland ($9,900) on the other side of the same game against a strong French defense. The Spanish forwards led by Mikel Oyarzabal ($10,500) are also high-ceiling options, but it’s tricky to know which star will step up in their crowded offense. Mbappe is clearly the go-to option, and his finishing has been outstanding so far in this tournament.

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