On November 20, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will begin, and world-famous athletes are getting set to compete for a chance for indelible glory in the Middle East. With many superstar players vying for the top honor, the countdown to a global spectacle in the Arab country is well and truly on.
A final opportunity for Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to lift the trophy. Kylian Mbappé back on the biggest stage after some troubling times. Brazil seeking their sixth title twenty years after their last win. This is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated World Cups in history; 32 teams battling for eternal glory, 64 matches, and 28 days of insane football.
As the World Cup finals travel to the Middle East for the first time in 2022, history is being made. Due to the scorching summer heat in Qatar, the event will also be held in November and December rather than its usual June/July timeframe. It will also be played in a compressed 28-day schedule. A widely awaited tournament will take place in eight specially constructed locations across five towns, with the final taking place on December 18 at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.
Nevertheless, we’re having a look at the most valued teams who qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup as we get ready for one of the most watched sporting events in the world.
Despite the complexities of football, it is well known that squad value is a reliable predictor of success. In theory, the better the players, the greater the squad value, the more successful the team will be. It’s a crucial element that has always played a large role in the commercial strategies of teams like Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, or Real Madrid.
Can the same be said for international football, though? We’ve seen it in previous World Cups, and it’s not as safe of a bet as in club soccer. According to TransferMarkt, England and France have the most valued squads for this year’s competition. However, as we’ll explore more below, bookmakers disagree with this assessment because Brazil are considered the betting favorites to win the tournament.
According to New York sportsbooks, Brazil are at +450 odds to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with France as second-favorites at +550 odds, and England right behind with +600 odds. Also among the favorites, Spain, one of the tournament’s youngest squads, are at +750 odds, and Argentina, the eighth most valuable squad, are at +1000 odds.
Football loyalty: the Three Lions have the most valuable squad
England will play the 2022 FIFA World Cup with the most valuable squad, with a valuation of $1.42 billion. The Three Lions have a solid team, despite not having the most talented group, and Gareth Southgate has a ton of options when it comes to world-class players.
Harry Kane, one of the best strikers in the world and a key player to England’s shot at winning their first World Cup since 1966, has the highest value. The Spurs forward, whose market value is $99 million, is followed by Phil Foden ($98 million) and Trent Alexander-Arnold ($88 million).
“Allez, les Bleus“: France rise as one of the best sides
The second-most valuable team in the competition is the defending champion, with a $1.17 billion valuation. France undoubtedly have enough talent to reclaim the highest spot in international football thanks to some of the top players in the world, which would mark the first consecutive titles since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
Clearly, Kylian Mbappé, the most gifted young player in the world and the most expensive player in the competition with a value of $176 million, is the most valuable member of the French team. The worth of the squad is also significantly increased by players like Paul Pogba, Hugo Lloris, Antoine Griezmann, and Karim Benzema.
The favorites: Brazil’s shot at record-extending sixth title
Brazil, although being considered the favorites to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup, lags behind England and France in terms of the worth of their squad. Although the Seleção is presently valued at $1.12 billion, many media analysts and pundits believe it to be the strongest team in the competition.
Neymar isn’t the team’s most valuable player, which is surprising. Due to his subpar performances for Paris Saint-Germain over the past few seasons, his market value has dropped, and he is now estimated to be worth $82.5 million. The most valuable player on the team is Real Madrid’s winger Vinicius Junior, who is currently valued at $110 million, after an outstanding season in which he played a key role in the team’s UEFA Champions League title.
- Related: A preview of the 2022 World Cup
