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The ongoing international break has confirmed the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification of several nations. From 2021 Copa America winners Argentina to reigning world champions France to five-time victors Brazil, a plethora of elite countries have recently booked their place in next year’s football extravaganza.
Ronaldo and Messi could be playing their last FIFA World Cup in 2022
The upcoming World Cup is probably the last one featuring Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. While the PSG star’s team confirmed their spot yesterday, Ronaldo’s Portugal will have to take part in the playoffs in order to gain entry in next year’s FIFA World Cup.
Despite the doubt surrounding Ronaldo’s presence, many valuable players are ready to take center stage in Qatar. Unlike club football, it is sometimes hard to correctly predict the value of a national team. But here are the five most valuable teams that have already confirmed their spot in next year’s FIFA World Cup:
#5 Spain (€728 million)
Spain performed relatively well in the qualifiers. The 2010 FIFA World Cup winners got the better of Sweden courtesy of Alvaro Morata’s late goal. The win confirmed their place in next year’s FIFA World Cup.
The Spanish national team is valued at €728 million, earning them fifth-place on this list. Manchester City defensive midfielder Rodri is their most valuable asset (€70 million). Midfielder Koke (€60 million) and Dani Olmo (€50 million) are also among their best players in terms of market value.
Considering Spain have produced a number of world-class midfielders over the years, it isn't surprising that their top three most valuable footballers operate in the middle of the field. Spain topped Group B in the European leg of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers with 19 points from eight matches.
#4 Argentina (€747.50 million)
The Copa America winners are the latest team to have qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Despite playing out a 0-0 draw against rivals Brazil, Argentina have managed to distance themselves from the teams below them in their qualifying group. As a result, they have mathematically qualified for the tournament in Qatar.
Lionel Messi is still the most valuable player among the Argentine squad, despite not being at his best this season. Messi and Lautaro Martinez are both valued at €80 million each. The pair contribute holistically to Argentina's overall valuation of €747.50 million.
La Albiceleste will be vying for their third FIFA World Cup crown in 2022. The Argentine players would love to win the trophy for Messi, as it would be a great gift for the player, who has carried them for over a decade. Argentina are currently second in the South American FIFA World Cup qualifiers, only behind Brazil.
#3 Brazil (€870.50 million)
Brazil has been synonymous with the FIFA World Cup. The record five-time winners will be playing in their 22nd consecutive FIFA World Cup when Neymar and co. kick-off in Qatar next year. Brazil’s qualification turned into reality as they defeated Colombia one week ago.
The Selecao have a number of players above the €50 million threshold. Marquinhos (€75 million), Casemiro (€70 million), Liverpool duo Alisson and Fabinho (both €60 million) and Gabriel Jesus (€60 million) are some of Brazil’s most highly-valued players. It goes without saying that Neymar is still Brazil’s most valuable player at €100 million.
Brazil could be one of the favorites next year, despite failing to capture this year’s Copa America title. They haven’t performed up to expectations at the recent FIFA World Cups, but if they can justify their team value of €870.50 million, they could turn a few heads.
#2 France (€978.80 million)
France were strong favourite to win the Euros this year, but things didn’t fall in place for them. The reigning world champions will now hope to add to their trophy cabinet by winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar instead.
They qualified by topping Group D, and their presence in next year’s event was a result of their 8-0 demolition of Kazakhstan.
The French national team consists of players plying their trade across Europe’s major leagues. Kylian Mbappe holds the highest value among the France squad (€160 million). Paul Pogba and central defenders Dayot Upamecano and Jules Kounde have a market value of €60 million each.
The current France squad have a total market value of €978.80 million, largely due to talisman Kylian Mbappe. France enjoyed a smooth run in Group D as they remained unbeaten and garnered 18 points from eight matches during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
#1 England (€1.23 billion)
England is the most valuable team in world football. The rise of The Three Lions is courtesy of the talented youngsters produced by the country in recent times. England qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a 10-0 win over San Marino. The free-scoring team led by Harry Kane netted 39 times in the 10 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Their €1.23 billion valuation is a result of having plenty of players valued in the range of €70 - €100 million. The likes of Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, Trent-Alexander Arnold and Mason Mount contribute to England’s hefty market value. However, Harry Kane remains their most valuable player at €120 million.
The Group I winners have justified their market value with strong performances on the pitch in recent times. The 2018 FIFA World Cup semi-finalists managed to reach the finals of Euro 2020. However, it will be interesting to see if their young players can finally bring football home in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
