France and Spain meet in the most expensive World Cup semi-final in history

When Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal lead their sides out at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday evening, they will be doing more than chasing a place in Sunday's final, they will be fronting the priciest collection of talent ever assembled for a men's World Cup semi-final. Transfermarkt's latest figures value France's squad at roughly $1.78 billion (€1.56bn) and Spain's at $1.43 billion (€1.25bn), a combined total of around $3.2 billion (€2.8bn), which outstrips any previous last-four meeting in the tournament's history. Much of that financial weight is concentrated in a handful of individuals. Barcelona's Yamal, who turned 19 the day before kick-off, is the most expensive player left in the competition at around $234 million (€205m), with Mbappé close behind at roughly $211 million (€185m). Michael Olise and Pedri follow, both valued at around $176 million (€154m). Between them, the quartet accounts for four of the five costliest footballers in the world, with the fifth being Norway's Erling Haaland, whose side did not reach this stage after losing to England. France's edge is starkest in attack, where forwards including Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué push the unit's combined worth to roughly $878 million (€770m), well ahead of Spain's $489 million (€428m) attacking line, even with Yamal in its ranks. France also lead in defence, valued at $473 million (€414m) to Spain's $337 million (€295m), while Spain have the edge in goal, their goalkeepers are worth a combined $113 million (€99m), against France's $67 million (€58m).

Market value has not dictated ticket demand

Market value has seemingly has not dictated demand for tickets at World Cup matches. Resale prices for Wednesday's second semi-final between England and Argentina in Atlanta have been running around $1,000 higher on average than for Tuesday's tie, even though that fixture's combined squad value, at roughly $2.5 billion (€2.2bn), trails France and Spain's total. Demand there is being driven largely by Lionel Messi's possible farewell World Cup appearance. As for the match itself, recent history offers Spain some reassurance against what the figures suggest. La Roja have won six of the last 10 meetings between the sides, including victories at Euro 2024 and in last year's Nations League, both by narrow margins. Kick-off is at 2pm local time, 8pm in the UK and 9pm in Paris and Madrid, with the match falling, fittingly for the French camp, on Bastille Day.