SPORTS
2026 FIFA World Cup squads valued at record €17.5 billion
France, England and Spain lead as tournament expands to 48 teams
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the 23rd edition of the tournament, the quadrennial international men’s football championship contested by the national teams of FIFA member associations. It is scheduled to take place from 11 June to 19 July 2026 across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Dubai: The combined estimated market value of the squads for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached a record figure of more than €17.5 billion, driven in part by the tournament’s expanded 48-team format.
According to Transfermarkt, the football website specialising in transfers and market values, the most valuable squads heading into the tournament are led by some of the sport’s biggest nations:
- France: approximately €1.53 billion
- England: approximately €1.31 billion
- Spain: approximately €1.26 billion
- Portugal: €1.02 billion
- Germany: approximately €998 million
- Brazil: €912.2 million
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the 23rd edition of the tournament, the quadrennial international men’s football championship contested by the national teams of FIFA member associations. It is scheduled to take place from 11 June to 19 July 2026 across Canada, Mexico and the United States.