All set for the $3 billion World Cup 2026 semifinal: the most valuable in history

Despite the staggering combined figure, there is still a gap of around $350 million in market value between the France and Spain national teams, with the French holding the edge. Les Bleus are valued at approximately $1.78 billion, compared to Spain’s $1.43 billion, in a semifinal that features four of the five most valuable players left in the tournament.

Who are the most valuable World Cup players?

Those players are Lamine Yamal, valued at around $234 million; Kylian Mbappé at $210 million; and Michael Olise and Pedri González, both worth approximately $175 million. The only other player in the top five is Norway’s Erling Haaland, who is also valued at around $234 million, level with Yamal.

Beyond those headline names, the Spain vs France showdown includes seven players valued at $117 million or more, while 22 players across the two squads are worth at least $58 million. Of those 22, seven represent Spain, while France accounts for the remaining 15 – more than double its opponent’s total.

By position, France’s goalkeepers have a combined market value of around $67 million, although they are surpassed by Spain’s three goalkeepers, who are worth a combined $114 million. In defense, however, Les Bleus hold a commanding advantage, with a combined value of roughly $473 million compared to Spain’s $337 million, while midfield swings the other way, with Spain totaling $491 million against France’s $365 million.

The biggest gap comes in attack. Even though Spain boasts the tournament’s most valuable player in Lamine Yamal, valued at around $234 million, France’s collection of wingers and strikers carries a combined market value of approximately $877 million. That attacking depth is the primary reason Les Bleus enter the semifinal with an overall market value advantage of roughly $350 million.

It makes France vs Spain the most valuable World Cup semifinal ever, surpassing every previous matchup in the tournament’s history in combined market value.

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