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Brandon's DraftKings and FanDuel WC DFS lineup picks for 2026 FIFA World Cup Soccer on 6/19/26 (Matchday 8). 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 8!!
The top favorite for today is Brazil (-1000) vs. Haiti (+2000). I will guide you through this four-match slate starting at 3:00 p.m. ET on Friday, June 19.
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 8
USA 2 vs Australia 0
Scotland 1 vs Morocco 1
Brazil 3 vs Haiti 0
Turkey 2 vs Paraguay 0
EPL DFS Goalies
Angus Gunn - DK $4.1K || FD $
Opponent - vs. Morocco
As stated in the first match featuring Scotland, Angus Gunn has barely played in the last two years. His last major role was for Norwich City in the English Championship in 2024. He started 35 fixtures, made 84 saves, conceded 42 goals, and recorded seven clean sheets. In that same year, he also started three matches for Scotland in the UEFA Euros, where he made 12 saves and conceded seven goals.
Morocco will be a more challenging opponent than Haiti, Scotland’s first fixture. Morocco is coming off a 1-1 draw with Brazil, and whoever wins this match has a strong chance of making it into the Round of 32. At $4.1K on DraftKings, Gunn is expected to reach value.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Alisson Becker (DK $5.9K || FD $) vs. Haiti
- Matt Freese (DK $5.6K || FD $) vs. Australia
EPL DFS Forwards
Rahpinha - DK $9.5K || FD $21
Opponent - vs. Haiti
Raphinha is the ‘LOCK’ of the slate. He is the majority set piece holder for the A Seleção, and they are the largest favorites of the tournament thus far. Haiti got unlucky in their 1-0 loss to Scotland. Although they will have a more challenging time escaping Brazil. The favorites are aiming to secure a strong chance of reaching the Round of 32, hoping not to repeat the tragic Group Stage eliminations of 1930 and 1966.
In 29 appearances–24 starts–for Barcelona of the La Liga this past season, Raphinha produced 16 goals, five assists, 85 shots, 61 chances created, 101 crosses, 68 corners, 25 tackles, eight interceptions, and 14 clearances. Despite his salary, he is predicted to produce one of the highest fantasy performances on the slate in this prime matchup.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Folarin Balogun (DK $9.2K || FD $21) vs. Australia
- Kerem Aktürkoğlu (DK $6.9K || FD $17) vs. Paraguay
É GOL DA SELEÇÃO! 🇧🇷⚽️
Matheus Cunha e Douglas Santos pressionam, o Brasil recupera a posse no campo ofensivo e a bola chega em Raphinha. O atacante cruza rasteiro e Endrick aparece no lugar certo para balançar as redes!#BateNoPeito
ISSO É BRASIL! 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/g2jLrJMdpF
— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) June 6, 2026
EPL DFS Midfielders
Giovanni Reyna - DK $4.2K || FD $13
Opponent - vs. Australia
Gio Reyna has been at the heart of extreme criticism, drama, and more over the past few years with the United States Men's National Soccer Team. He has also been affected by numerous injuries, which have impacted his playing time with Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Mönchengladbach in the German Bundesliga. In the last two seasons between both clubs–44 appearances and nine starts–he has produced three goals, one assist, 16 shots, 18 chances created, 24 crosses, six corners, 19 tackles, six interceptions, and 21 clearances. Reyna also registered one goal on one shot in his 2026 FIFA World Cup debut off the bench in the 4-1 win against Paraguay.
In three meetings between these two sides–all international friendlies–the United States has a 2-1 record, with its most recent win coming last October. With a win for either side, there is a guaranteed trip to the Round of 32. After a dominant performance versus Paraguay, the Americans will hope to push through to the Round of 32 with another win here. Teammate and fellow midfielder Christian Pulisic is nursing an injury, so Gio Reyna will be expected to carry a bulk of the chance creation for the hosts.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Arda Güler (DK $9K || FD $20) vs. Paraguay
- John McGinn (DK $7.7K || FD $18) vs. Morocco
¡GOLAZO ESPECTACULAR DE ESTADOS UNIDOS! ¡GOLAZAZO!
Giovanni Reyna firma una tremenda anotación de fuera del área sobre Paraguay, ¡4-1!
¡Una de las mejores actuaciones de los estadounidenses en Mundiales! pic.twitter.com/c5Tqljjqpu
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 13, 2026
EPL DFS Defenders
Antonee Robinson - DK $6.2K || FD $13
Opponent - vs. Australia
The other ‘LOCK’ of the slate is American wingback, Antonee Robinson. The defender has the majority of set piece duties for the hosts, providing instant value. He also produces his fair share in open play. In the 4-1 win over Paraguay, he recorded one chance created, seven crosses, two corners, one tackle, three clearances, and one block. Furthermore, with Fulham FC of the English Premier League this season–24 appearances and 18 starts--he produced one goal, seven shots, 22 chances created, 83 crosses, 48 ackles, 33 interceptions, 61 clearances, and three blocks.
At either end of the pitch, Robinson is producing, and it will be needed in a critical Group Stage meeting with Australia. Like Brazil's Raphinha, Robinson also earns a high salary today. Despite the high salary, he is projected to reach value in this premium matchup.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Achraf Hakimi (DK $6.7K || FD $15) vs. Scotland
- Danilo (DK $3.9K || FD $9) vs. Haiti
Corner Takers
- USA Set Pieces: Antonee Robinson
- Australia Set Pieces: Connor Metcalfe/Aiden O’Neil
- Scotland Set Pieces: John McGinn
- Morocco Set Pieces: Achraf Hakimi
- Brazil Set Pieces: Raphinha
- Haiti Set Pieces: Jean-Ricner Bellegarde/Ruben Providence
- Turkey Set Pieces: Hakan Çalhanoğlu/Arda Güler
- Paraguay Set Pieces: Miguel Almirón/Julio Enciso
Thanks for reading The Kick-Off. Good luck in all of your contests today!
