The hosting of the grand 2026 global football tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico is not only a stage for tactical battles on the pitch, but also a strategic momentum for strengthening the business value of top-tier players. This prestigious tournament is viewed as a primary catalyst capable of significantly boosting athletes' commercial valuation.
Data from Forbes shows fierce competition in earnings between today's two megastars, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe. Norwegian striker Erling Haaland is projected to rake in a fantastic income of up to 80 million USD or equivalent to IDR 1.4 trillion throughout the tournament period.
However, the top spot for earnings is still held by France's star forward, Kylian Mbappe. Forbes records put Mbappe slightly ahead with estimated earnings of up to 95 million USD. The dominance of both in the global market proves that individual performance in major tournaments strongly influences their contract and endorsement values.
Football analyst Firzie Idris emphasized that the World Cup consistently serves as the primary showcase for footballers to increase their bargaining power in the sports industry. According to him, the massive exposure during the tournament not only elevates the players' prestige but also boosts their overall market value in the eyes of sponsors and parent clubs.
