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Brandon's DraftKings and FanDuel WC DFS lineup picks for 2026 FIFA World Cup Soccer on 6/17/26 (Matchday 6). His top daily fantasy soccer forwards, midfielders, defenders, goalkeepers.
Welcome back to "The Kick-Off," and welcome to the 2025-26 season! Say goodbye to domestic cups, leagues, and more! We are here! It's the 2026 FIFA World Cup! Plenty of surprises await, with upsets and legendary moments waiting to be born! Let's kick off Matchday 6!!
The top favorite for today is Portugal (-360) vs. Democratic Republic of Congo (+1000). I will guide you through this four-match slate starting at 1:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 17.
If you have any questions on today's slate, bankroll management, GPP strategy, cash game strategy, or anything else, don't hesitate to contact me at [email protected], via X @df_solutions, or in our Discord chat rooms.
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Predictions - Matchday 6
Portugal 2 vs Democratic Republic of Congo 0
England 1 vs Croatia 1
Ghana 1 vs Panama 0
Uzbekistan 0 vs Colombia 3
EPL DFS Goalies
Dominik Livaković - DK $4K || FD $9
Opponent - vs. England
Many will be scratching their heads about why Dominik Livaković is being featured. The goalkeeper conceded 18 goals in 19 appearances this past season in all appearances for Dinamo Zagreb. However, his lack of success wasn’t strictly on his shoulders. His defense performed poorly in front of him the whole season. In the UEFA Europa League, Dinamo Zagreb was the fifth-worst in Big Chances Created Against Per 90 this season.
England will not be a ‘walk in the park’, and they will not be difficult either. Although they used a different starting XI compared to the one they are running for the World Cup, they struggled against New Zealand, Japan, and Uruguay, losing three of their last four pre-World Cup fixtures. Livaković is projected to see significant shot volume. He is expected to maintain value.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Diogo Costa (DK $6K || FD $14) vs. Democratic Republic of Congo
- Camilo Vargas (DK $5.8K || FD $13) vs. Uzbekistan
EPL DFS Forwards
Jordan Ayew - DK $6.9K || FD $16
Opponent - vs. Panama
The veteran striker will once again be the key man for Ghana. Jordan Ayew had an unsuccessful season, posting six goals, three assists, 51 shots, 29 chances created, 54 crosses, 34 corners, 27 tackles, 11 interceptions, and 45 clearances in 44 appearances and 25 starts in all competitions for Leicester City. Keep in mind, though, Ayew did not have the same role for the Foxes as he will have for Ghana. For the Black Stars, he will hold the majority of the set pieces, providing instant floor value.
In the five pre-World Cup fixtures, Panama averaged one Goal Against Per 90. As the Number 10 for Ghana, Ayew is projected to exceed value in this prime matchup to kick off the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Cristiano Ronaldo (DK $9.7K || FD $21) vs. Democratic Republic of Congo
- Luis Suárez (DK $8K || FD $19) vs. Uzbekistan
Tira um pouco do teu tempo para ver 𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗢𝗦 🥵 os golos de Luis Suárez 🦁
📺 @sporttvportugal #SCP pic.twitter.com/QsW74s6WiM
— Liga Portugal (@ligaportugal) May 31, 2026
EPL DFS Midfielders
Bruno Fernandes - DK $9.9K || FD $20
Opponent - vs. Democratic Republic of Congo
Bruno Fernandes is coming off a historic season for Manchester United in the English Premier League. The attacking midfielder produced nine goals, 22 assists, 88 shots, 141 chances created, 190 crosses, 94 corners, 56 tackles, 22 interceptions, 43 clearances, and six blocks in 36 starts in all competitions. His 22 assists also set the new assist record for a single season in the Premier League. He will now enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the exact same role, but this time for Portugal.
This is most likely teammate and striker Cristiano Ronaldo’s last World Cup, and Bruno will do everything he can to set his striker up. This immediately sets up Bruno for a floor game at a minimum, between shots, corners, and shots assisted. Portugal is also projected to possess the ball for the majority of the match, leading to further chance creation from the midfield maestro.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Jude Bellingham (DK $8.1K || FD $18) vs. Croatia
- James Rodríguez (DK $8K || FD $17) vs. Uzbekistan
PREMIER LEAGUE HISTORY ON THE SEASON'S FINAL DAY. 🔥
Bruno Fernandes' 21st assist marks a new PL RECORD for single-season assists! pic.twitter.com/Tg0DlULslu— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) May 24, 2026
EPL DFS Defenders
Amir Murillo - DK $4.1K || FD $11
Opponent - vs. Ghana
Amir Murillo is perhaps the clearest ‘LOCK’ of the slate for all contests. The wingback for Panama is projected to control full set pieces for the Los Canaleros. Murillo played with both Olympique de Marseille of Ligue One and Beşiktaş SK of the Süper Lig this past year. In 39 total appearances between the two clubs, he registered four goals and five assists. Furthermore, while with Marseille, in 23 appearances and 15 starts, the defender produced two goals, one assist, 11 shots, 18 chances created, 33 crosses, 27 tackles, nine interceptions, and 28 clearances in all competitions.
Ghana is the favorite in this fixture, although Murillo and Panama can provide plenty of pushback. Especially on the counter. Murillo has the opportunity to blow past value in his 2026 FIFA World Cup debut.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Daniel Muñoz (DK $4.9K || FD $14) vs. Uzbekistan
- Marvin Senaya (DK $3.3K || FD $7) vs. Panama
Corner Takers
- Portugal: Bruno Fernandes
- Democratic Republic of Congo: Arthur Masuaku
- England: Declan Rice
- Croatia: Luka Modrić
- Ghana: Jordan Ayew
- Panama: Amir Murillo
- Uzbekistan: Abbosbek Fayzullaev
- Colombia: James Rodríguez
Thanks for reading The Kick-Off. Good luck in all of your contests today!
