World Cup 2026 market movers including Kylian Mbappe, Brian Brobbey

In years gone by, performances at international tournaments have had a huge bearing on transfer activity, with stars such as Wayne Rooney, Mesut Ozil and James Rodriguez all examples of players who have completed big-money moves shortly after excelling on the international stage.

With the transfer window now open across Europe, are there any players currently competing in North America whose values have increased following their performances at the 2026 World Cup? Let's take a look.

Players whose values have increased during the 2026 World Cup

Elijah Just

New Zealand's Elijah Just performed admirably during the group stages of the tournament, and there are now several clubs rumoured to be interested in the Motherwell winger. Just scored three goals, including a double against Iran, which is excellent news for Motherwell, who were already bracing themselves for offers after an impressive Scottish Premiership season.

Prior to the World Cup, Just was valued at £2.5m by Transfermarkt, but suitors will now likely have to quadruple that to get him out of Motherwell.

Kylian Mbappe

There were whispers that Real Madrid were considering parting ways with Kylian Mbappe at the end of last season, and while there was nothing concrete ever reported, any chances of that are now gone. Mbappe has been phenomenal so far, scoring four goals and providing two assists, establishing himself as one of the best players on the planet.

Mbappe was valued at £155m by Transfermarkt before the tournament, but he would probably become the first-ever £200m player if he were bought now.

Brian Brobbey

Brian Brobbey had a solid debut season for Sunderland in the Premier League, scoring seven league goals as the Black Cats secured European football for next season. Brobbey has looked a level or two above in a Netherlands shirt, though, which will excite Sunderland fans about what he can do for them next season. There may also be some transfer interest in the Dutchman, who has previously been linked to Manchester United.

Brobbey was valued at £25m before the tournament, and it isn't far-fetched to suggest Sunderland could now demand double that for the forward.

Crysencio Summerville

Crysencio Summerville is another Dutchman who is adding millions to his transfer value at the World Cup, which is excellent news for West Ham, who are in need of some cash following relegation to the Championship. Summerville has scored twice at the tournament so far, and has looked a constant threat out wide during the minutes he's been on the pitch.

Summerville was valued at £25m at the end of the Premier League season, but West Ham are reportedly now asking for £50m to part ways with the winger.

Willian Pacho

Although Ecuador have struggled going forward, they have been well organised defensively, and that is thanks to PSG's Willian Pacho. The central defender has been excellent for PSG over the past couple of seasons, and his performances for Ecuador this summer have only reinforced the view of many that he is fast becoming the best defender in the world.

Pacho was valued at around £70m at the end of last season, but he would now command a record fee for a defender.