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Brandon's DraftKings and FanDuel WC DFS lineup picks for 2026 FIFA World Cup Soccer on 7/6/26 (Matchday 26). His top daily fantasy soccer forwards, midfielders, defenders, goalkeepers.
Welcome back to "The Kick-Off!" Say goodbye to domestic cups, leagues, and more! We are here! It's the 2026 FIFA World Cup! The group stage has come and gone, and now we start the Knockout Stage, where dreams and wishes can come true. Who will be crushed in the shocking upsets? Let's kick off Matchday 26.
The top favorite for today is Spain (-230) vs. Portugal (+182). I will guide you through this two-match slate starting at 3:00 p.m. ET on Monday, July 6.
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 26
Portugal 1 vs. Spain 3
United States 2 vs. Belgium 1
EPL DFS Goalies
Matt Freese, USA - DK $4.8K || FD $11
Opponent - vs. Belgium
Matt Freese may have the best of both worlds in the Round of 16 fixture versus Belgium. The visitors have produced the most shots (85) in their four matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and they are also in the top 10 in shots on target with 25. They sit just outside the top 10 in goals for with nine, tied with Canada and Switzerland.
The save volume is there for Freese, and the lack of finishing quality from Belgium further boosts Freese's chances of making multiple saves.
In the three matches for Freese, he has made five saves, conceded one goal, and recorded two clean sheets. His most recent clean sheet came in the Round of 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina, his first in the Knockout Stage of his international career.
For under $5K on DraftKings and playing for the host country, Freese is predicted to reach value in this close matchup with Belgium.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Unai Simón (DK $5.3K || FD $12) vs. Portugal
- Diogo Costa (DK $4.3K || FD $9) vs. Spain
EPL DFS Forwards
Malik Tillman, USA - DK $7.5K || FD $19
Opponent - vs. Belgium
Malik Tillman will once again be featured in the article after putting the United States on his back when it was down a man and needed reassurance that it would survive Bosnia’s constant attack in the Round of 32. Tillman buried a late free kick in the 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, securing the United States’ trip into the Round of 16.
He has now produced one goal, one assist, seven shots, six chances created, 14 crosses, 10 corners, six tackles, four interceptions, and four clearances in his four appearances and three starts in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“Malik Tillman, he’s got class. If there’s anyone on the field that can do that, and float it in to that top corner, it’s that man.” 🇺🇸@stuholden called it. Malik Tillman delivered. pic.twitter.com/GPeYCqB1hi
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 2, 2026
Belgium has struggled against offensively inept clubs in the first four matches of the World Cup. Furthermore, this team managed to squeeze out a last-minute win against Senegal after trailing the entire match. Belgium has yet to face a talented offensive roster and will be heavily tested by Tillman and the rest of the United States roster.
Considering Tillman's role in set pieces and his open-play value, he is projected to surpass value in this match.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Mikel Oyarzabal (DK $9K || FD $22) vs. Portugal
- Folarin Balogun (DK $7.3K || FD $18) vs. Belgium
EPL DFS Midfielders
Álex Baena, ESP - DK $5.7K || FD $18
Opponent - vs. Portugal
Álex Baena is projected to be one of the most owned players at any position on this small two-fixture slate. The winger/midfielder is slated to play on the left wing for La Roja again. Baena has been a huge part of Spain’s offensive resurgence after starting the World Cup campaign with a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde.
Since then, Baena has started the following three fixtures and has generated one goal, one assist, five shots, eight chances created, 20 crosses, 14 corners, two tackles, and two clearances.
Like Belgium, Portugal has struggled offensively, despite a surplus of offensive talent. Like Belgium, Portugal also trailed in its Round of 32 fixture until a controversial penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo (DK $7.7K || FD $21) and a late-minute match-winning goal from his teammate Gonçalo Ramos sealed the win.
Portugal, through the four matches of the World Cup so far, is in the bottom 15 in both shots against and created chances against. Spain is averaging two goals per match heading into this rivalry match against Portugal. Baena will have a heavy influence as Spain looks to extend its winning ways against its European rivals.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Kevin de Bruyne (DK $8.2K || FD $18) vs. United States
- Bruno Fernandes (DK $7.8K || FD $17) vs. Spain
EPL DFS Defenders
Antonee Robinson, USA - DK $5.2K || FD $12
Opponent - vs. Belgium
There are several options at the defender position on this small slate. However, Antonee Robinson of the United States is the play here. Robinson has been a big part of both ends of the pitch thus far.
Through three starts, he has produced three chances created, 14 crosses, three corners, five tackles, four interceptions, and 13 clearances. He offers even more value on FanDuel, where defensive peripherals are rewarded.
Antonee Robinson UNLEASHES 😱 pic.twitter.com/nGjr1voa0q
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 6, 2026
Belgium will be forced to attack throughout the match, which will only boost Robinson's chances of surpassing value. However, many will hope to see his offensive skill set showcased more in this win-or-go-home meeting with Belgium. Considering his role for the United States and his ability to attack from the flank, he will have numerous opportunities to reach and surpass value here.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Pedro Porro (DK $6K || FD $16) vs. Portugal
- Nuno Mendes (DK $5.7K || FD $14) vs. Spain
Corner Takers
- Portugal: Nuno Mendes/Bruno Fernandes
- Spain: Álex Baena/Lamine Yamal
- United States: Malik Tillman/Antonee Robinson
- Belgium: Kevin De Bruyne/Youri Tielemans
Thanks for reading The Kick-Off. Good luck in all of your contests today!
