France vs Spain World Cup squads: Market values, most expensive players

France are set to go head-to-head with Spain on Tuesday, 14 July in a mouthwatering World Cup 2026 semi-final clash in the USA. The two European giants have been the standout teams at the tournament so far, and the victor will start the final as the favourites to walk away with the most prestigious trophy in sport.

Both squads are littered with outrageous young talent and previous Ballon d'Or winners, but how do they both stack up against each other when it comes to their overall market values? Let's take a look.

France vs Spain squad value comparison

*all values from Transfermarkt

Both of these squads are said to be worth more than £1bn, and it's difficult to argue against this assessment. It is France that comes out on top, though with an overall squad value of £1.3bn, compared to Spain's £1.04bn.

The difference in value is around £250m, which remains a significant sum of money, indicating that it is Les Bleus who have the stronger squad and who should therefore progress from this semi-final.

France vs Spain most valuable players

France's three most valuable players are three of the best attacking players in world football – Kylian Mbappe (€180.00m/£154.20m), Michael Olise (€150.00m/£128.50m) and Desire Doue (€120.00m/£102.80m). Incredibly, Ousmane Dembele ((€100.00m/£74.90m) doesn't make the cut.

Mbappe has been on fire all tournament, and currently boasts eight goals. If he can score twice against Spain, he will become the World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer.

Spain's three most valuable players are Lamine Yamal (€200m/£170m), Pedri (€150m/£128m) and Pau Cubarsi (€80m/£68m), three youngsters who all still have their best years ahead of them.

France vs Spain least valuable players

France's three least valuable players are N’Golo Kante (€4.00m/£3.50m), Lucas Digne (€6.00m/£5.10m) and Brice Samba (€7.00m/£6.00m). The Digne valuation could change soon, though, as he has reportedly agreed to sign for PSG in a deal worth £10m.

Spain's three least valuable players are Borja Iglesias (€2.8m/£2.4m), Aymeric Laporte (€8m/£6.8m), and Alejandro Grimaldo €20m (£17m).

The valuation attached to Laporte here feels a little off, considering he has been a central part of the tournament's best defence.

France vs Spain transfer records

It should come as no surprise to learn that Mbappe is France's most expensive player. The 27-year-old may have joined Real Madrid on a free transfer two years ago, but his previous transfer from Monaco to PSG was worth €180.00m (£154.20m).

Interestingly, the most expensive Spanish player in the current squad is a player who has yet to kick a ball at the 2026 World Cup, Martin Zubimendi.

The midfielder signed for Arsenal for €70m (£60m) in the summer of 2025, a fee that is yet to be topped by another Spanish player. If Lamine Yamal ever leaves Barcelona, he will almost certainly smash this record.