2026 World Cup: 94% of total player value concentrated among European-based players

European-based footballers account for 94% of the total value of players who took part in the 2026 World Cup, won by Spain, "highlighting Europe’s role as an employment hub for football’s global workforce," according to a report produced by FIFPRO Europe and Football Benchmark via their Player IQ tool and published on 14 September 2026.

The report, entitled “Protecting the Global Player Workforce”, highlights "the value the European employment market and its players contribute to the global game," while calling for closer cooperation and coordination among all stakeholders on governance reforms.

The European division of the global players’ union is using the analysis to highlight the role of European football in creating value across the global game and to argue for the need to “protect…