The most valuable squad of the 2026 World Cup: Argentina, France, Spain or England?

Now that the names of the 1,248 players taking part in the first 48-team World Cup have been announced, France dominate the market value rankings. Les Bleus have no rival and are the most valuable team heading to the tournament.

The 26 France players are the most highly valued of any squad at the World Cup. According to specialist website Transfermarkt, their total market value stands at $1.66bn, an average of $63.7m per player. That figure is boosted by the impact of Kylian Mbappé, valued at $217m, and Michael Olise, who has reached $163m after his outstanding year at Bayern.

Just behind France are England, Spain and Portugal, the only other squads worth more than $1.09bn. England, with Jude Bellingham ($152m), Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka ($130m each), are following in France’s slipstream with $1.42bn, making them another of the tournament’s most valuable teams.

Spain complete the podium. La Roja have Lamine Yamal ($217m) and Pedri ($163m) as their highest-valued players. The national team are close to England, reaching $1.37bn, which works out at an average market value of $52.5m for each of the 26 players.

Market value by national team

Norway have climbed to ninth place, at around $652m, thanks above all to Erling Haaland, whose value is estimated at $217m. Along with Lamine Yamal and Mbappé, he is one of only three players valued at $217m.

Which team has the lowest age at World Cup 2026?

Of those three national teams, Spain have the lowest average age. Their squad average is 26.7, compared with 27 for France and 27.1 for England, although the youngest average age among the 26-player squads belongs to Ivory Coast. The Elephants average just 25.8, in contrast to Panama, the oldest squad at 30.4. Spain are sixth from the bottom, making them the sixth-youngest team at the tournament.

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