10 Players Who Should Earn Mega-Money Moves after the 2026 World Cup Group Stage

10 Players Who Should Earn Mega-Money Moves after the 2026 World Cup Group Stage

The World Cup group stage has reached its finishing line over the weekend as 32 of the 48 nations get ready for knockout football on the biggest stage.

As with every World Cup, there have been some standout stars so far in the tournament that will be hoping to kick their careers on following good performances in front of millions worldwide.

A fantastic example of a player who earned a Mega-Money move from their World Cup performance is Columbian playmaker James Rodriguez back in 2014 who completed a £63 million move to Real Madrid following the 2014 World Cup.

So which players are looking likely to follow in Rodriguez’s footsteps this summer and get their move up the footballing ladder?

10 Players Who Should Earn Mega-Money Moves after the 2026 World Cup Group Stage

Alex Freeman (USA)

Alex Freeman actually earned himself a move to European football back in January when he signed for Spanish side Villarreal following a breakout season in the MLS. However, so far in this tournament he has made an even bigger name for himself in the USA side that went on to top Group D. Freeman is naturally a right fullback, however he is versatile and can play at centre-back which he did against Australia this tournament.

Yasin Ayari (Sweden)

Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Yasin Ayari looks as if he could be the next big sale that the Seagulls make this summer following his impressive start to the tournament for Graham Potter’s Sweden side. With two goals to his name against Tunisia in the opening group game, it is thought that Newcastle United might be interested in his services going into the next Premier League campaign.

Elijah Just (New Zealand)

When you see New Zealand score you usually would assume that it would be Chris Wood with the goals, however this tournament it was Motherwell’s Elijah Just providing the goals for All Whites. He scored three of New Zealand's four goals all tournament and he will be hoping that he can get a move to a top European league and continue that form.

Ayase Ueda (Japan)

Ayase Ueda isn’t a new name on the block for Japan or in European football as the Feyenoord striker netted 25 goals in the Eredivisie last season. His form continued into this tournament as he contributed to three Japanese goals in the group phase. At 27-years-old he is going into the prime of his career so he will be hoping that he can earn himself a big move and show his ability at the top level.

Maxi Araujo (Uruguay)

In what was a terrible tournament for Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay team, the only bright spark they can take from it is the performance of Maxi Araujo. Despite Uruguay only scoring three goals all tournament, he was involved in all of them contributing two goals and an assist. He is currently applying his trade in Portugal but Sporting CP will be hoping they are able to hold off interest for their man this summer.

Gilberto Mora (Mexico)

Gilberto Mora is probably the most unknown player on this list before the tournament started as the 17-year-old is playing over in Mexico. However, it is clear that he is very highly rated in his nation and you can see that by the crowd reaction every time he makes his way onto the pitch. He is someone that looks destined for a move to a huge European side following the conclusion of this tournament.

“[Gilberto Mora] plays with a different mentality and a different quality than the rest.” @herculezg gives the 17-year-old his flowers after becoming the youngest player to start in a World Cup for Mexico 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/pJBBKtZmAQ

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 25, 2026

Folarin Balogan (USA)

Folarin Balogan is a well known name in football, especially at Arsenal as he failed to make his way into the first team following his rise through the ranks at the North London side. Over the past few seasons he has made a name for himself in France scoring 19 goals for AS Monaco last season. His two in two for USA so far this tournament certainly makes him a wanted man this summer.

Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast)

Prior to the tournament, Yan Diomande was already on the shopping list of some of the largest clubs in the world, however his performance over in America certainly hasn’t damaged his price tag. It is believed that he has verbally agreed to join European champions Paris Saint-Germain from RB Leipzig in a deal worth over £100 million. Astonishing!

🚨 EXCL: Yan Diomande chooses Paris Saint-Germain as next destination if he departs RB Leipzig this summer. 19yo said to believe in #PSG project led by Al-Khelaifi / Campos / Enrique + wants chance to lift trophies regularly & win Balon D’Or @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/HYUUXtCSS8

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 28, 2026

Johan Manzambi (Switzerland)

Johan Manzambi had a breakthrough season in the Bundesliga with Freiburg which included reaching the Europa League final. That earnt him a place on the plane for Switzerland this summer and he has certainly proved that he deserved the place. He has been involved in four goals so far this tournament from only 129 minutes of football and will certainly be hoping for a place in the starting eleven going into the Round of 32 match with Algeria on Friday.

Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco)

Despite only being 18-years-old, Ayyoub Bouaddi already has over 60 appearances in the top division in France for Lille. So far at this World Cup he has shown that he can compete against the very best midfielders such as Bruno Guimaraes and Casemiro for Brazil, which has excited many fans across the world. It is believed that many huge clubs such as Manchester City and Liverpool are looking to get the papers signed and have Bouaddi in their midfield for many years to come. A very exciting talent!