Italy tops the most valuable teams in 2026 World Cup playoffs at €839m, with DR Congo as the only non-European side in the top 10

Italy leads the list of the most valuable teams participating in the 2026 World Cup playoffs, with a squad valued at €839 million, according to Transfermarkt.

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The European side tops the rankings ahead of Turkey (€453 million), Sweden (€364 million), Denmark (€360 million), and Ukraine (€267 million).

Poland (€215 million), Wales (€211 million), Ireland (€184 million), Czech Republic (€173 million), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (€155 million) complete the top 10.

DR Congo is the only non-European team to feature in the top 10, highlighting the growing competitiveness of African squads in global football.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place across North America, hosted jointly by Mexico, Canada, and the United States.

These valuations offer a snapshot of the financial strength and depth of squads contesting the playoff spots this month.

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The ranking underscores Italy’s investment in talent and the potential advantage that comes with a high-value squad, while also drawing attention to smaller but strategically strong teams in the playoffs.