Get free access to the most comprehensive World Cup coverage in The Athletic app.We are fast approaching the round of 16 in World Cup Fantasy, where things get even more interesting and evenly matched.Although the round of 32 is still ongoing, we can already pick out a few teams who look to have good fixtures for the next round (deadline July 4 at 6pm UK time/1pm ET) and also have easier paths ahead of them than others.Finding the right balance between premium assets and low-owned differentials is likely to be the key to climbing the rankings, especially with scouting bonuses still available on selected players.While several ties will be evenly matched, some nations stand out as having particularly appealing fixtures in the round of 16.Also, the dynamics change slightly as we are now able to own four players from the same country rather than three.Here’s a closer look at the players that fantasy managers should be targeting.France France have looked unstoppable thus far and look to be the clear favourites to win the World Cup.After brushing aside Sweden 3-0 in the round of 32, they now face Paraguay, which is one of the most favourable draws they could have got.From a fantasy perspective, it’s difficult to ignore the sheer quality throughout Didier Deschamps’ squad.The essential picksKylian Mbappe ($10.5m) and Michael Olise ($9.5m) have not only been the star players for France but arguably the whole tournament.Mbappe remains the focal point of almost every World Cup Fantasy attack and already has six goals to his name. He will no doubt be eyeing the golden boot. Meanwhile, Olise currently has the most assists (five), is nailed to start and is on set pieces.At this point these two are completely essential and if you do not own them, they should be your top priorities.France’s Michael Olise has five assists in World Cup Fantasy already (Dan Mullan/Getty Images)The differentialsOusmane Dembele ($10.0m) is the next-best option in attack and you can choose to pair him up with another attacker.Bradley Barcola ($8.0m) and Desire Doue ($7.5m) are both below five per cent ownership, so qualify for the scouting bonus as things stand.There is a bit of uncertainty as they can both start on the left, so it is a risk going with either of them, but they do have a lot of upside.You can also choose to go for one or two of France’s defenders as they have good clean-sheet odds — 60 per cent, according to market odds.Dayot Upamecano ($5.3m) and Jules Kounde ($5.4m) look the safest bets as they have started every game so far.MoroccoIf there has been one team that can cause an upset at this World Cup, it’s Morocco.After impressive performances against Brazil, Scotland and Haiti during the group stage, and a dramatic penalty shoot-out win versus the Netherlands, they now have a favourable tie against Canada.Defensively, they remain extremely well organised, while their confidence in possession has grown with every match.For fantasy managers, that creates opportunities at both ends of the pitch.The essential picksFew defenders possess the fantasy appeal of Achraf Hakimi ($6.0m) and it’s no surprise that he is the most expensive defender in the game.Morocco already boast one of the strongest clean-sheet probabilities in the round of 16 fixtures with 41 per cent against Canada, but Hakimi’s appeal extends well beyond defensive returns.The Paris Saint-Germain full-back regularly finds himself in advanced positions and has already registered a goal and an assist.The differentialsIsmael Saibari ($6.8m) has three goals this tournament and has quietly become one of the breakout stars of this World Cup.Despite being classified as a midfielder, he continues to operate in advanced attacking positions, being played mostly as Morocco’s No 9. His ownership remains low at only at 10.9 per cent at the time of writing.Brahim Diaz ($6.4m) is not only cheap but he still qualifies for the scouting bonus with only three per cent ownership. He is also likely the first-choice penalty taker.EnglandEngland’s win over DR Congo means they play Mexico in the round of 16.Although this is a tricky game on paper, up against the co-hosts in their own backyard, England will still be the favourites.Fantasy-wise, they have great options at both ends of the pitch.The essential picksHarry Kane ($10.5m) and Jude Bellingham ($8.3m) are by far the best options in attack. Both are nailed to start and have so far been the ones involved in the goals in one way or another.Kane’s brace against DR Congo means he has netted five and Bellingham has two goals and an assist. The former is also on penalties.When we reach the knockout stages, we also need to look at players who will not only play the full 90 but, if needed, extra time too. Kane and Bellingham are very likely to be the ones in attack who play the full match.The differentialsThe defence is where I would look next for England. Although they haven’t looked their best at the back, they do still have one of the strongest defences in the tournament.