Based on Transfermarkt's enormous database of projected player valuations, here's a summary of which teams are indeed the most costly at the 2022 World Cup.
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar might be the last major international tournament for many legendary footballers such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Thiago Silva, or Lionel Messi. However, it also marks the rise of a new, young generation who will be superstars of the future.
From Jude Bellingham to Rafa Leao, this year's World Cup is the perfect opportunity for these young players to rise through the ranks and make a name for themselves. And of course, given their potential to improve in the future, these young stars are often valued at very high prices.
Each of the 32 teams has different players and values. Without further ado, let's take a look at the most valuable teams to take to the field in Qatar!
1. ENGLAND: €1.26 billion
According to a study conducted by Swiss research group CIES Football Observatory, Gareth Southgate's 26-man squad is the most invaluable team at World Cup 2022. Their total value adds up to a whopping €1.26 billion, thanks to the many young stars who play for top clubs in Europe.
England's most expensive player is 19-year-old Bellingham, valued at nearly €200 million. The young Dortmund talent's header broke the deadlock as England smashed Iran 6-2 on Monday.
Other top stars of the Three Lions include captain Harry Kane, Manchester City winger Phil Foden, and Liverpool creative player Trent Alexander Arnold, whose values range from €70 million to €110 million.
Most valuable player: Dortmund CM Jude Bellingham (€202,000,000)
Most valuable forward: Tottenham ST Harry Kane (€90,000,000)
Most valuable midfielder: Foden
Most valuable defender: Liverpool RB Trent Alexander-Arnold (€70,000,000)
Most valuable goalkeeper: Arsenal G Aaron Ramsdale (€30,000,000)
2. BRAZIL: €1.14 billion
According to the Mirror, Brazil - or the Selecao, ranks second on the list with a total value of €1.14 billion, just closely behind England. Their most expensive player is Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr., who is valued at around €120 million. The young player was a key factor in Madrid's dominance in the Champions League in recent years.
Most valuable player: Real Madrid LW Vinicius Junior (€120,000,000)
Most valuable forward: Vinicius
Most valuable midfielder: Newcastle CDM Bruno Guimarães (€60,000,000)
Most valuable defender: Paris Saint-Germain CB Marquinhos (€70,000,000)
Most valuable goalkeeper: Liverpool G Alisson (€50,000,000)
3. FRANCE: €1.08 billion
France were third with an estimated transfer value of 1.34 billion, with Paris St Germain forward Kylian Mbappe being their top player with a value of €160 million.
Most valuable player: Paris Saint-Germain ST Kylian Mbappé (€160,000,000)
Most valuable forward: Mbappé
Most valuable midfielder: Real Madrid CDM Aurélien Tchouameni (€80,000,000)
Most valuable defender: Barcelona CB Jules Koundé (€60,000,000)
Most valuable goalkeeper: West Ham G Alphonse Areola (€8,000,000)
€750,000,000-€999,999,999
4. PORTUGAL: €937 million
Most valuable player: AC Milan LW Rafael Leão (€85,000,000)
Most valuable forward: Leão
Most valuable midfielder: Manchester City CAM Bernardo Silva (€80,000,000)
Most valuable defender: Manchester City CB Rúben Dias (€75,000,000)
Most valuable goalkeeper: Porto G Diogo Costa (€35,000,000)
5. SPAIN: €902 million
Most valuable player: Barcelona CM Pedri (€100,000,000)
Most valuable forward: Barcelona LW Ansu Fati (€50,000,000)
Most valuable midfielder: Pedri
Most valuable defender: Villareal CB Pau Torres (€50,000,000)
Most valuable goalkeeper: Brighton G Robert Sánchez (€32,000,000)
Other teams on the list
6. GERMANY: €885.5 million ($911.86M)
7. ARGENTINA: €633.2 million ($652.05M)
8. NETHERLANDS: €587.25 million
9. BELGIUM: €563.2 million
10. URUGUAY: €449.7 million
11. CROATIA: €377 million
12. SERBIA: €359.5 million
13. DENMARK: €353 million
14. NIGERIA: €292.9 million
15. SENEGAL: €288 million
16. SWITZERLAND: €281 million
17. USA: €277.4 million
18. POLAND: €255.6 million
19. MOROCCO: €251.1 million
20. GHANA: €216.9 million
22. CANADA: €187.3 million
23. MEXICO: €176.1 million
24. SOUTH KOREA: €164.48 million
25. WALES: €160.15 million
26. CAMEROON: €155 million
27. JAPAN: €154 million
28. ECUADOR: €146.5 million
29. TUNISIA: €62.4 million
30. IRAN: €59.53 million
31. AUSTRALIA: €38.34 million
32. QATAR: €14.9 million
Read more:
⋙ World Cup 2022: Who are the BBC and ITV presenters and pundits?
⋙ England at World Cup 2022: Five players dropped from Gareth Southgate's squad
