The World Cup Fantasy knockout stage is the perfect moment to move away from the most popular picks.
Managers will naturally build around players such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal. However, the right low-owned player could provide an even bigger rank gain thanks to the Scouting Bonus.
Here are six of the best differentials to consider for the Round of 32.
Gregor Kobel — Switzerland
Price: $4.7m
Ownership: 3.9%
Fixture: Algeria
Kobel is one of the best low-owned goalkeeper options.
Switzerland have limited opponents to relatively few clear chances throughout the tournament and now face Algeria in a favourable knockout fixture.
He also offers save-point potential if Switzerland fail to keep a clean sheet.
Verdict: The best differential goalkeeper.
Nahuel Molina — Argentina
Price: $4.4m
Ownership: 3.3%
Fixture: Cape Verde
Argentina have one of the strongest fixtures and most attractive routes through the knockout bracket.
Molina offers access to their clean-sheet potential while also pushing forward from right-back. He has already demonstrated his attacking upside with an assist during the group stage.
Verdict: The best defensive differential if he is confirmed to start.
Antonee Robinson — United States
Price: $5.0m
Ownership: 3.1%
Fixture: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Robinson combines a strong clean-sheet opportunity with genuine attacking potential.
The American full-back regularly advances into crossing positions and should have opportunities to contribute at both ends of the pitch.
Verdict: One of the safest low-owned defenders.
Rubén Vargas — Switzerland
Price: $6.8m
Ownership: 1.4%
Fixture: Algeria
Vargas is our favourite differential of the round.
He recorded a goal and two assists in Matchday 2 before scoring again in Matchday 3. His attacking numbers have been among the best of the mid-priced midfielders.
Switzerland also have a realistic chance of progressing beyond the Round of 32.
Verdict: The standout midfield differential and our number-one low-owned pick.
Bruno Guimarães — Brazil
Price: $6.8m
Ownership: 3.9%
Fixture: Japan
Bruno Guimarães offers several different routes to Fantasy points.
He can return through assists, chances created, tackles and clean-sheet points. That gives him a safer floor than midfielders who depend entirely on goals.
Japan are dangerous opponents, but Bruno’s all-round role keeps him relevant even in a competitive match.
Verdict: A reliable differential for managers who prefer steady returns.
Folarin Balogun — United States
Price: $6.0m
Ownership: 3.9%
Fixture: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Balogun produced attacking returns in both of his first two group matches before being rested in Matchday 3.
He should return to the starting lineup and lead the American attack against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
At his price, he also makes it easier to afford two premium forwards.
Verdict: The best budget forward differential.
FPL Briefing’s Top Three Differentials
1. Rubén Vargas
Excellent form, low ownership and a favourable fixture.
2. Nahuel Molina
A cheap route into Argentina’s defence with attacking upside.
3. Folarin Balogun
An affordable starting striker playing for one of the stronger Round of 32 favourites.
Final Thoughts
Differentials should not be selected only because they are low-owned.
The best options still need strong minutes, a clear Fantasy role and a realistic chance of progressing.
Vargas is the strongest all-round pick, Molina provides access to the best fixture, and Balogun offers valuable savings in attack.
Check the latest ownership and predicted lineups before confirming your squad.
