World Cup 2026: Tunisia, Netherlands, Sweden and Japan — Four Teams, Four Stories, One Dream

By CM News Sports Desk | June 14, 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway, and with it comes one of football's most fascinating annual debates — which nations have the squads to go deep in the tournament, and which face an uphill battle simply to advance from the group stage? Four teams with vastly different profiles — Tunisia, Netherlands, Sweden, and Japan — illustrate just how wide the gap can be between nations at this level, both in squad market value and genuine title ambition.

According to Transfermarkt data, the combined starting XI values of these four teams range from a modest €45 million to a formidable €419 million — a contrast that tells its own story about the state of world football.

Key Facts

- Netherlands potential starting XI market value: €419 million — by far the highest of the four nations

- Sweden potential starting XI market value: €300 million

- Japan potential starting XI market value: €164 million

- Tunisia potential starting XI market value: €45 million

- All four nations are competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada

- Data sourced from Transfermarkt, the leading football market valuation platform

Netherlands: The Favourites Among the Four

Under the management of Ronald Koeman, the Dutch arrive at the 2026 World Cup with one of the most expensively assembled squads in the tournament. Their potential starting XI, valued at a combined €419 million, is headlined by Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch — the midfield engine valued at €80 million — alongside Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo (€60M) and Manchester City's Tijjani Reijnders (€50M).

The defence is anchored by the experienced Virgil van Dijk, now at a relatively modest €15M valuation late in his career, alongside Tottenham Hotspur's Micky van de Ven (€50M). Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen of Brighton adds further Premier League quality at €40M.

Veteran striker Memphis Depay, valued at €7M and now at Corinthians, adds tournament experience up front, flanked by the pace and directness of Donyell Malen (Roma, €45M).

The Netherlands have the individual quality and tactical depth to compete with the tournament's very best. Whether Koeman can harness that talent into a cohesive unit will define their campaign.

Sweden: Dark Horses Built on Premier League Power

Graham Potter's Sweden head into the tournament as a genuine dark horse, boasting a starting XI valued at €300 million — driven by two of the Premier League's most lethal forwards.

Alexander Isak of Liverpool, valued at €85 million, is Sweden's most prized asset and one of the most dangerous centre-forwards at the entire tournament. Arsenal's Viktor Gyökeres (€65M) provides devastating support, having emerged as one of Europe's elite goal scorers over the past two seasons.

Newcastle United's Anthony Elanga (€32M) and Brighton's Sinan Ayari (€35M) add width and creativity, while the midfield and defensive structure — featuring Atalanta's Isak Hien (€22M) and Borussia Dortmund's Svensson (€22M) — provides a solid platform.

Sweden are no longer simply a well-organised side — they carry genuine attacking firepower capable of punishing any opposition on their day.

Japan: Asia's Most Consistent World Cup Performers

Japan arrive under the trusted leadership of Hajime Moriyasu with a starting XI valued at €164 million — modest compared to Europe's heavyweights, but more than capable of causing major upsets.

The Japanese have consistently demonstrated at recent World Cups that squad value does not define outcomes. Their 2022 Qatar campaign, where they defeated both Germany and Spain, remains one of the tournament's most celebrated stories.

This time, Mainz midfielder Ao Sano (€40M) is the squad's standout asset, supported by Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo (€20M) and Bayern Munich's Ito (€18M). Striker Ueda of Feyenoord (€17M) leads the line, with experience spread across the Bundesliga, Premier League, and La Liga providing Moriyasu's side with genuine European know-how.

Japan's strength lies not in individual stars but in their collective discipline, high pressing, and tactical flexibility — qualities that make them dangerous regardless of the opponent.

Tunisia: The Underdogs With Everything to Prove

Tunisia face the toughest task of the four nations. With a starting XI valued at just €45 million under coach Faouzi Lamouchi, they represent one of the lower-budget squads at the tournament — but underestimating them could prove costly for opponents.

The standout name is Hannibal Mejbri (€15M), the technically gifted midfielder who has developed steadily through European football and gives Tunisia their most creative threat. Toulouse winger Gharbi (€5M) and Norwich City's Ben Slimane (€4M) provide attacking support, while Morocco-based striker Chaouat (€1.2M) leads the line.

Tunisia's defensive structure, featuring Montassar Talbi (€8M) at centre-back, provides a foundation the team will need to rely on if they are to spring any surprises.

African nations have been making increasingly bold statements at World Cups in recent years, and Tunisia will be determined to represent the continent with pride.

Analysis: What Market Value Actually Tells Us

Squad market value is a useful indicator, but it has never been a guarantee of World Cup success. Japan's famous 2022 giant-killings proved that tactical intelligence, team spirit, and momentum can overcome significant financial gaps on the pitch.

What these four squads collectively illustrate is the enormous diversity that makes the World Cup unique. A €419M Dutch starting XI faces the same 90 minutes of football as a €45M Tunisian side — and on any given day, the result is never guaranteed.

For neutral fans, that is precisely what makes this tournament so compelling.

What Happens Next

All four nations are currently competing in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament runs until **July 19, 2026**, with matches spread across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

CelebSamMedia.com will provide ongoing coverage of all four nations throughout the competition, including match reports, tactical analysis, and transfer updates linked to standout performers.

Conclusion

From the Netherlands' star-studded €419M lineup to Tunisia's hard-working €45M squad, the 2026 World Cup showcases football's beautiful inequality. Sweden's Isak-Gyökeres partnership and Japan's collective excellence add further intrigue to a tournament already full of compelling storylines. As the group stage unfolds, these four nations will each write their own chapter in one of sport's greatest competitions.

For the latest 2026 World Cup news, squad updates, and match analysis, follow CelebSamMedia.com's dedicated World Cup 2026 coverage.