The Deepest Squads at the 2026 World Cup
A data first look at who can rotate without falling apart
When people say a team has “depth,” they usually mean vibes. Big names, strong bench, plenty of options. That’s fine for a debate, but it’s not analysis. So here’s a cleaner way to look at it using current, measurable indicators: squad market value and how that value is spread across positions.
A deep squad is not just expensive. It’s expensive in more than one area. It can lose a starter at right back or central midfield and still look like itself. Transfermarkt’s" current national team valuations put the top five at: England €1.30bn, France €1.29bn, Spain €1.15bn, Brazil €932m, Portugal €841m.
England
England’s depth is most obvious in one place: midfield. Their current squad valuation is €1.30bn, and the midfield alone accounts for €647m. That is an absurd number for one unit. It means England can field one top midfield, then replace two or three pieces and still keep elite level quality on the pitch. You can see it in real match choices too. 2025, England were able to bring Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Eberechi Eze off the bench in the same game, with that set of substitutes valued at
In late€327.5m in Transfermarkt terms. That’s not a metaphor for depth. That is depth. England are not as top heavy up front as some past generations, but the point is they can rotate through midfield and wide roles without losing control of matches. That usually matters more for World Cup soccer betting on this tournament than having one extra striker.
France
France are the classic “two squads” team, but the interesting part is how their value is distributed. They sit at €1.29bn total, and the attack is valued at €607m, which is the largest single unit among the major contenders listed here. That tells you France can change the front line profile without downgrading. Pace, power, direct running, box finishing. They can swap types rather than simply swap names.
Defensively, the numbers are also strong: €366m in defenders and €70m in goalkeepers, which matters because tournament football punishes teams that are one injury away from a makeshift back line. France’s depth is less about having a celebrity bench and more about having replacement level players who are already used to high responsibility roles at big clubs.
Spain
Spain are third by total market value at €1.15bn. What’s notable is that their value is not concentrated in one place. Attack is €430m, midfield €363m, defense €285m.
That balance matters. Spain can rotate without changing identity because the squad isn’t built around one overloaded area. They can lose a midfielder and still keep technical control. They can change the forward line and still maintain finishing quality. In a long tournament, that distribution tends to age well, especially once suspensions and fatigue start hitting.
Brazil
Brazil sit at €932m, but their depth is not even. It’s tilted heavily toward attack. Their attackers are valued at €512m, which is more than half their total. That tracks with what you see watching them: Brazil can bring real game changing pace and dribbling off the bench. The tradeoff is that the defensive and goalkeeper valuations are lower relative to the European giants: €218m for defenders and €31m for goalkeepers in the current squad profile.
That does not mean Brazil are weak at the back, but it does suggest their depth advantage is more front loaded than spread. If you’re judging depth as “who can change a match in the last 25 minutes,” Brazil are right there. If you’re judging it as “who can lose two defenders and still look stable,” they rank behind the top three.
Portugal
Portugal’s case is simple: their depth is real in midfield and defense. Their extended squad breakdown shows €412m in midfield and €333.5m in defense, with a total around €1.12bn on that broader list. The shape of that matters because tournament games are often decided by midfield stability more than highlight moments.
Portugal can mix profiles. They can play a control game or a transition game without rebuilding the team. That’s the kind of depth coaches love because it lets them tailor lineups to opponents rather than forcing one approach.
The honest reality: Argentina are not a “depth” team on this data
Argentina are still a top tier tournament side, but their current listed squad value is €575m, ninth overall in Transfermarkt’s national team list. That doesn’t make them bad. It just means their advantage is less about endless options and more about having the right spine and the right chemistry.
They can win without being the deepest. But if you’re building a depth ranking from current numbers, they’re not in the top bracket.
What this means in plain terms
England have the deepest midfield pool in the tournament right now. France have the deepest attacking pool. Spain are the most evenly stocked across the pitch. Brazil have the most explosive bench potential in forward areas. Portugal have the most flexible “switch styles without panic” roster.
That’s depth you can actually quantify, not just talk about.
- World Cup 2026