Soccer Fantasy Picks: Best Starts, Sits & Value Plays — 2026-06-24

Welcome back to the DFS Playbook, SportsPulse nation! We've got a thrilling slate ahead for DraftKings and FanDuel players, and I've crunched the numbers to give you the winning edge. Forget those misleading headlines about collegiate basketball results in South Africa – we're laser-focused on the global soccer pitch. Let's dive into the top picks that will rocket your lineups to the top.

Top 3 Players to START This Week:

1. Leo Vargas (Rio Grande FC): Vargas is an absolute must-start. He's been on a tear, netting a hat-trick last week and scoring in five of his last six matches. This week, Rio Grande faces a struggling Veracruz United defense that has conceded 10 goals in their last three away games. Vargas is the primary goal threat and on penalty duties, making him a high-floor, sky-high-ceiling play. 2. Amin Diallo (Casablanca United): Our midfield maestro pick, Diallo, is the creative engine for Casablanca. He's registered an assist in back-to-back games and leads the league in key passes per 90 minutes. At home against a conservative Algiers City side, Casablanca will dominate possession, giving Diallo ample opportunities to rack up fantasy points through crosses, shots, and potential assists from set pieces. 3. Kai Nakamura (Tokyo Dragons): Nakamura is the attacking full-back you need. He's consistently getting forward, with 7+ crosses in each of his last three outings. The Dragons are hosting a Nagoya FC team that struggles to create chances, pointing to a strong clean sheet probability. Combine that with Nakamura's assist potential and bonus points for defensive actions, and he's a locked-in starter.

1. Marco Rossi (Rome Gladiators): Despite his pedigree, Rossi is a fade this week. He hasn't found the net in his last four appearances, and Rome faces a formidable Naples United defense that has kept four clean sheets in a row. His high salary on both platforms makes him an inefficient use of budget given the tough fixture and his current dip in form. 2. Ben Carter (London Royals): Carter has been battling a minor hamstring issue, leading to a risk of limited minutes or even a benching. The Royals are also facing league leaders Paris Strikers, known for their suffocating midfield. Even if he starts, Carter's involvement may be restricted, and his upside is severely capped against such a strong opponent. Avoid the risk.

Two Value/Bargain Plays Under Salary Cap:

1. Diego Sanchez (Mexico City Aztecs): Priced incredibly low on both DraftKings and FanDuel, Sanchez offers fantastic value. The Aztecs are at home against a struggling Guadalajara side that has conceded multiple goals in their last five. Sanchez, a defender, contributes from set pieces and has a decent chance at a clean sheet bonus. His attacking potential for his salary is unmatched. 2. Kevin Lim (Seoul Dynamos): Lim is quietly flourishing in a more advanced midfield role for the Dynamos. He's been involved in a goal or assist in two of his last three matches, yet his salary remains surprisingly low. Against a leaky Busan FC defense, Lim could easily outperform his price tag with shots on target, key passes, and potential goal involvement.

Sasha Volkov (Moscow Wolves): Most managers will shy away from Volkov this week as the Wolves travel to face the league's stingiest defense, St. Petersburg Zenith. However, Volkov has a remarkable track record of performing in big games, often finding the net against top opposition when least expected. His low ownership will give you a massive edge if he snags an unexpected goal or assist, making him the ultimate high-risk, high-reward contrarian play. Don't be afraid to zig where others zag!

Good luck this week, and may your lineups be green!

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