The World Football Championship brings together no less than 48 teams at the start, compared to 32 in 2022. The format has changed and we have a few debutants. The main favorites for the trophy have most of the stars at their disposal, and their lots are also the most valuable in terms of quotes on Transfermarkt.
Thus, according to Transfermarkt, four of the top five most valuable national teams are representatives of Europe: England, France, Spain and Portugal. The fifth would have been Italy, but it did not qualify for WC 2026, so the top is closed by Brazil. Somewhat paradoxically, Argentina, the current world champion, is only in ninth position, behind two other European nations: Germany and the Netherlands.
England – Lot estimated at 1.62 billion euros
The most valuable World Cup squad from the USA, Mexico and Canada is England. Although they haven’t won the trophy since 1966, England have a fantastic generation and Thomas Tuchel can rely on a lot of valuable players.
According to Transfermarkt, the English team is estimated at 1.62 billion euros. The most valuable player is Jude Bellingham, rated at 140 million euros. The next two are Declan Rice (€120 million) and Bukayo Saka (€120 million).
Harry Kane, the England captain, has a market share of just €65 million. Bayern’s super striker has turned 32 and could be playing his last World Cup this way.
France – Lot estimated at 1.47 billion euros
The second most valuable national team at the World Cup, according to Transfermarkt, is France. The “roosters” have an estimated lot of 1.47 billion euros. The French were finalists in the 2022 edition after winning the 2018 World Cup.
France will try to win their third ever World Cup this summer. His three most valuable players are Kylian Mbappe (rated at €200 million), Michael Olise (rated at €140 million) and Ousmane Dembele (rated at €100 million).
Spain – Lot estimated at 1.31 billion euros
Spain, the reigning European champions, has an estimated 1.31 billion euros, according to Transfermarkt. “Furia Roja” will try at the North American World Cup to get a second title, after the one conquered in South Africa in 2010.
Spain’s most valuable player is Lamine Yamal, valued at 200 million euros. The next in the top is Pedri, quoted at 150 million euros, and the third is Fermin Lopez, quoted at 100 million euros.
Portugal – Lot estimated at 864 million euros
The penultimate national in the top five is Portugal. The Lusitanians are looking for their first world title. Their lot is estimated by Transfermarkt at 864 million euros.
The two most valuable players are midfielders Vitinha and Joao Neves, each valued at 110 million euros. The third most valuable player is defender Nuno Mendes, valued at 75 million euros.
Brazil – Lot estimated at 778 million euros
The top five most valuable nationals end with Brazil. The South American team will be, according to WC 2026 odds, one of the favorites to win the trophy. The multiple world champion has a market share of 778 million euros, according to Transfermarkt.
The most valuable player in the Brazilian team is undoubtedly Vinicius, rated at 150 million euros. Next in the top is Raphinha, quoted at 80 million euros, followed by Joao Pedro, quoted at 75 million euros.
The favorites for the trophy
In terms of the odds of becoming the queen of the world in 2026, football bookmakers Unibet see Spain as the main favorite with odds of 5.50. France occupies the second position in the list of favorites for WC 2026, with an odds of 6.00. England (odds 7.00), Brazil (odds 9.00) and Argentina (odds 9.50) follow. Portugal is the 6th favourite, with an odds of 11.00, being one of the teams that can cause a surprise at the summer World Cup.
