Most Valuable Midfielders at the 2026 World Cup

We’re all starting to experience a bit of World Cup fever – but who are the most valuable players at the tournament this year? Today, we’ll look to find this out.

We’ve already looked at the tournament’s most valuable goalkeepers and defenders – in this list, we’ll be examining the midfielders who have the highest market value, according to Transfermarkt.

Transfermarkt likes to give rough estimates, rather than figures that are accurate down to the penny. Due to this, we won’t be listing each player’s individual market value – rather, we’ll list them in the order they ranked, then examine why they were ranked in such a way.

Federico Valverde

Federico Valverde is Uruguay’s superstar this year. For a country of less than 4 million people, they are almost always competitive – however, none of their playing staff can hold a candle to Valverde’s might this year.

A phenomenal midfielder with plenty of facets to his game, Valverde might’ve missed out on club silverware this year, but still remains one of the most coveted midfielders in the world.

As one of Real Madrid’s star players, it’s no surprise to see him on a list such as this. Furthermore, he is also under contract until the summer of 2029.

Joao Neves

Joao Neves is perhaps the best young midfielder in the world right now. An energetic dynamo with excellent movement and highly underrated defensive instincts, Neves can occupy practically any midfield role with little to no issues.

For such a young player, his anticipational skills are truly preternatural – his ability to read the game is well beyond his years, making him very difficult to play against.

He has just won the Champions League for the second year in a row with PSG – additionally, his contract isn’t due to expire for another three years.

Vitinha

For our money, Vitinha is the best midfielder in the world right now. Watching him dictate the tempo and rhythm of a game is magical – he rules over entire matches with an iron fist.

As such, one shouldn’t be at all surprised to see him on a list of this ilk – if anything, we’re a little bemused to not see him higher up in Transfermarkt’s rankings.

Vitinha’s current deal will expire in the summer of 2029 and he is slightly older than the two entries above him at 27 – as far as we can see, these are the only factors holding him back.

Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham might be one of modern football’s biggest superstars, but he is only the second most valuable midfielder at the World Cup this year in Transfermarkt’s eyes.

In truth, the previous season has been far from his best. Ending the campaign with no silverware – a rarity for Real Madrid – injuries have had a negative effect on his overall performance.

Still, Bellingham is one of football’s most notable ‘big game’ players at the moment – we expect big things from him in a Three Lions shirt.

Pedri

Barcelona have always been known for having outstanding central midfielders – Pedri is one of the latest midfield kings in Catalonian royalty.

His range of passing is utterly peerless in the world of football today – he can open up a tight defence or bypass a defensive line with a swift, nonchalant drop of the shoulder.

He is quite injury prone, having missed portions of last season, but two goals and nine assists says it all – he also won the La Liga title to boot.