Overview
- The 2026 World Cup ran from 11 June to 19 July and overlapped the summer transfer window that opened on 1 June, creating an unprecedented stretch where live international matches changed negotiations in real time.
- beIN Sports’ value tracker recorded large swings during the tournament, with Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi jumping about $34 million from roughly $60m to $94m and several other players posting notable rises.
- Some players lost value or failed to rise, creating cautionary examples for buyers who completed deals before the tournament and may now face asset depreciation.
- Free agents became officially available on 30 June, which fell mid-tournament and added an extra layer of timing pressure for clubs managing purchases and sales.
- The immediate effect is practical: selling clubs are demanding bigger fees after eye-catching performances, buying clubs must decide whether tournament form is sustainable, and the September-extended window offers time to recalibrate deals.