Build Your World Cup Starting XI

Pick a nation. Choose your formation. Settle the debate with a shareable lineup card.

v1.2 · Updated for 2026 World Cup projected squads · Jan 2026

Your Squad

Substitutes Bench

Select a nation first, then pick your subs from the roster below.

Available Players

Choose a country to see available players.

How This Works

1

Pick Your Nation

Choose from eight top World Cup contenders. Each squad is pre-loaded with projected 2026 rosters based on current form and recent call-ups. Brazil comes loaded with Vinicius Jr up front and Casemiro anchoring midfield.

2

Set Formation & Style

Pick a formation that fits your tactical vision. The pitch updates in real time to show where each position sits. Choose a tactical style to see suggested player picks. Attacking setups push full-backs higher. Defensive ones add an extra center-back.

3

Assign Players

Click any position on the pitch to open the player list for that role. Filter by position to narrow your choices. Drag players from the roster onto positions. Your starting XI must have exactly one goalkeeper and ten outfield players matching your formation.

4

Compare & Share

Hit Share to copy a link with your full lineup encoded in the URL. Paste a friend's link in the comparison panel to see both squads side by side. Use Print to get a clean lineup card for your wall or group chat.

Things to Know

Assumptions

Squads are projected rosters for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They reflect player form and fitness as of early 2026. Injuries, late call-ups, and surprise omissions will change real squads. Neymar's inclusion for Brazil assumes fitness. Check official federation announcements for confirmed lists.

Common Mistakes

Don't pick two goalkeepers in your starting XI. The builder will warn you. Make sure your outfield players match your formation. A 4-3-3 needs four defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards. If a position is empty, the share link will show it as a gap.

Controversial Picks

Bold selections get a flag icon on your lineup card. Dropping a star player for an in-form alternative? That's a controversial pick. It shows up in red on the share card and sparks the best debates. Use it to make your lineup memorable.

Data & Privacy

Everything runs in your browser. No accounts, no tracking, no server calls. Your squad lives in the URL and your browser's local storage. Clear your browser data and saved squads disappear. Share links contain all squad data in plain text.

Questions Fans Ask

Can I use this for fantasy league picks?

Yes. Build your ideal XI and use it as a reference for fantasy selections. The player list includes positions and form ratings that map well to most fantasy scoring systems.

What happens if a player gets injured after I save my squad?

Your saved squad stays as-is. You can manually swap the injured player for a replacement from the roster. We plan to update squads after major announcements, but always double-check official sources.

Can I build a squad for a country not listed?

Not yet. We focused on the eight nations with the deepest squads and most active fan debates. Use the custom player option to add anyone you want to an existing nation's roster as a workaround.

Does the tactical style affect player ratings? No. The style is a label on your share card. It helps explain your thinking when comparing with friends. A defensive 5-3-2 sends a different message than an attacking 4-3-3, even with some of the same players.

Why is my share link so long?

Your entire squad is encoded in the URL so no server is needed. It's plain text, not encrypted. Anyone with the link can see and modify your picks. That's the point. It's your lineup, shareable anywhere.