World Cup 2026 Player Value Update: Rising Stars and Big Moves
As the 2026 World Cup unfolds across North America, GOAL partners with eToro to monitor the market values of ten standout young players. Some are climbing fast, while others face challenges maintaining their worth.
Deniz Undav | VfB Stuttgart & Germany | £35m
Just three years ago, Deniz Undav was struggling for playing time at Brighton, overshadowed by other forwards. A loan move to VfB Stuttgart changed everything, eventually becoming permanent in 2024. Undav finished the 2025-26 Bundesliga season as the second highest scorer behind Harry Kane. Despite limited starts in Germany's 7-1 rout of Curacao, he made a strong impact off the bench with a goal and assist. Stuttgart wisely secured his contract before the World Cup, knowing his value would soar as he nears 30.
Ayyoub Bouaddi | Lille & Morocco | £60m
At only 18, Bouaddi stunned many with a commanding display against Brazil in Morocco’s Group C opener. Though new to international football with just three caps, his mature performance on a big stage grabbed Europe's top clubs' attention. Already linked with Arsenal and Real Madrid, his elegant midfield control in Ligue 1 has marked him as a rising star. If he keeps this level up, bids will flood in before the summer transfer window closes.
Bradley Barcola | Paris Saint-Germain & France | £65m
Barcola’s talent is undeniable but finding consistent game time at PSG remains difficult due to fierce competition in attack. At 23, he’s too good to be a frequent substitute. He came off the bench against Senegal to score a cool finish, signaling his readiness to claim a starting spot. Interest from top clubs will rise if he continues to impress at the World Cup.
Nico Paz | Como & Argentina | £72.5m
Nico Paz may not yet be a household name, but that could change soon. After leaving Real Madrid in 2024, he impressed under Cesc Fabregas in Serie A, scoring 12 goals and helping Como reach the Champions League. In Argentina’s squad alongside Lionel Messi, Paz is mostly an impact sub, yet his free-kick goal earlier this year hinted at his potential.
Enzo Fernandez | Chelsea & Argentina | £85m
Fernandez arrived at Chelsea for a hefty fee and remains one of the few bright spots amid club turmoil. New coach Xabi Alonso faces the task of convincing him to stay or risk losing him to giants like Real Madrid. Without Champions League football, Chelsea’s hand is weaker. Fernandez played a full match against Algeria and could increase his value with more strong performances.
Yan Diomande | RB Leipzig & Ivory Coast | £90m
Diomande has been a hot topic in transfer rumors thanks to impressive Bundesliga displays. The 19-year-old forward shone in Ivory Coast's win over Ecuador, consistently beating Arsenal’s Piero Hincapie. Leipzig demands around £100m for him, reflecting his rising stock and the interest from several top European clubs.
Morgan Rogers | Aston Villa & England | £90m
Thomas Tuchel faced a tough choice between Rogers and Jude Bellingham for England’s World Cup squad. Bellingham started and scored, pushing Rogers to the sidelines despite his key role in Aston Villa’s recent success. Rogers remains professional and ready to make a statement on the big stage, which could spark bidding wars among elite clubs.
Elliot Anderson | Nottingham Forest & England | £105m
Anderson’s rise from Newcastle fringe player to a must-have midfielder for England and Nottingham Forest has been rapid. Manchester United and Manchester City are competing fiercely for his signature, with fees expected to surpass £100m. His composed performance against Croatia suggests his value could climb even higher.
Julian Alvarez | Atletico Madrid & Argentina | £115m
Manchester City sold Alvarez for a profit in 2024, but he has since blossomed into a key player. Atletico Madrid holds a strong position, with clubs like Arsenal, Barcelona, and Real Madrid interested. Alvarez looks to reclaim a starting spot after a subdued World Cup debut, aiming to boost his already significant price tag.
Michael Olise | Bayern Munich & France | £135m
Bayern Munich secured Olise from the Premier League for around £50m in 2024, a deal they clearly won. The 24-year-old has dazzled in the Bundesliga and Champions League, and his World Cup form continues to impress. Bayern’s asking price reflects his importance, especially after his brilliant assist against Senegal.
Lamine Yamal | Barcelona & Spain | £195m
Yamal stands out as possibly the most valuable player worldwide at just 18. Despite injury setbacks, he appeared in Spain’s 0-0 draw with Cape Verde and is expected to start against Saudi Arabia. Although his value dipped slightly due to limited playtime, expectations remain sky-high for this Barcelona prodigy.
