The World Cup is almost here, and with thousands of the world’s best players descending upon North America, there’s no better time to try Soccer on DraftKings. In DraftKings’ Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contests, which will be running throughout the tournament, you’ll create new lineups every day and compete for real cash prizes. These contests come in a variety of formats and prize pools, so this Soccer DFS 101 guide will help you better understand scoring, contest types, lineup strategy and beginner mistakes to avoid.
Along with this guide, visit DraftKings Network for daily advice for fantasy and sports betting.
What is Soccer Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)?
Soccer Daily Fantasy Sports on DraftKings lets you draft a new team each day and compete for real cash prizes. Just like the actual World Cup, Soccer DFS can change in an instant, as it’s fast-paced and flexible, with plenty of different contest types. Below, I’ll break down both types of contests, as well as their scoring rules.
DraftKings Soccer DFS Scoring
| Goal | +10 Pts |
| Assist | +6 Pts |
| Shot | +1 Pt |
| Shot on Goal | +1 Pt |
| Cross | +0.7 Pts |
| Assisted Shot | +1 Pt |
| Accurate Pass | +0.02 Pts |
| Fouls Drawn | +1 Pt |
| Fouls Conceded | -0.5 Pts |
| Tackle Won | +1 Pt |
| Passes Intercepted (D, M, F) | +0.5 Pts |
| Yellow Card | -1.5 Pts |
| Red Card | -3 Pts |
| Clean Sheet (D) | +3 Pts |
| Shootout Goal | +1.5 Pts |
| Shootout Miss | -1 Pt |
| Saves | +2 Pts |
| Goal Conceded | -2 Pts |
| Clean Sheet (GK) | +5 Pts |
| Win | +5 Pts |
| Penalty Kick Save | +3 Pts |
| Shootout Save | +1.5 Pts |
Lineup Requirements (Classic)
| 1 | GK |
| 2 | D |
| 2 | M |
| 2 | F |
| 1 | Util (D, M, F) |
Types of DraftKings Soccer Contests
When learning soccer fantasy strategy for DraftKings, it’s important to know contest formats:
- Classic Contests – You pick eight players from a slate of multiple games, and the most points wins!
- Showdown Contests – Single-game format where you pick six players, with no positional limits, including one Captain worth 1.5x the points…and 1.5x the cost. Picking the right Captain is critical.
Beginner Soccer DFS Strategy Tips
Roster construction can vary depending on the individual user and contest, but here are some of my favorite tips:
- Monitor Starting Lineups – Teams will release their starting XI’s a little more than an hour before kickoff, and any alterations from the norm open up high-potential value options.
- Value Plays – If a team is rotating its lineup, some squad players might have bigger roles than they’re used to, leading to good value plays.
- Bankroll Management – Contests can vary widely in terms of entry fees, so each user is responsible for balancing their money wisely.
- State of the Tournament – Especially in the final group stage game, some teams that have already secured qualification to the knockouts might alternate their squads.
- Matchups – Teams that play deliberately or have a particularly strong defense aren’t necessarily ripe for targeting in these contests. Teams that play fast or against a defensively poor opponent have higher potential for big fantasy performances.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Soccer DFS
- Not mapping out and planning for contingencies. If Player X is out, then which player or players benefit?
- Ignoring injury reports and late-breaking news.
- Relying too heavily on small sample sizes.
How to Get Started with DraftKings Soccer DFS
- Sign up on DraftKings – New users often get a deposit bonus.
- Build Your Lineup – Use player projections, matchup research, and advice from DraftKings Network.
- Enter & Watch – Follow your lineup live and enjoy the thrill of daily fantasy.
Useful DraftKings Resources to Help Your Lineup Building
- DraftKings Network – DFS, Sports Betting and daily news information and advice, specifically tailored for DraftKings.
- DraftKings Stats Hub – Updated betting trends, matchups, stats, and much, much more for every game of the NBA season.
