The 2026 World Cup will be a showcase of the best footballers on the planet. The tournament could also help many of them earn big-money moves.

Online bookmakers will be keeping a close eye on developments in the United States, Canada, and Mexico as they formulate their odds for next season.

The latest World Cup betting reviewed by Bettingtop10 suggests that players from England and France could be well worth monitoring during the event.

Their respective squads are backed with English Premier League players, several of whom could be the subject of interest from other clubs this summer.

Read on as we look at three players who could boost their chances of securing a transfer via their exploits at the 2026 World Cup.

Adam Wharton – Crystal Palace & England

Adam Wharton controls possession with a maturity profile that is way above his age, dictating the tempo of the game through progressive passing lanes and defensive screening.

Crystal Palace use him as a single pivot in build-up phases, trusting his geospatial awareness to control transition risk against higher lines.

While England have plenty of functional midfielders, the 22-year-old can operate across multiple systems, especially as a number six that prefers ball security over vertical chaos.

Manchester United’s interest indicates a wider market appetite for midfielders who can control tempo without letting go of forward progression, a rare asset in current recruitment cycles.

Wharton’s growth since leaving Blackburn Rovers shows accelerated adaptation, with high duel success rates and improved passing numbers under pressure.

The World Cup will give him a platform to validate those metrics against elite opposition, where decision speed and positional discipline are watched under higher scrutiny.

England manager Thomas Tuchel places emphasis on role clarity, meaning Wharton must outcompete Elliot Anderson’s mobility within a defined tactical brief.

Wharton is the kind of difference-maker England will need if they are to win the World Cup. This summer could be the making of him.

Anthony Gordon – Newcastle United & England

Anthony Gordon’s ability to stretch defences with his pace while still churning out numbers consistently across multiple attacking roles makes him an attractive proposition.

The 25-year-old predominantly operates from the left flank, but his recent deployment as a striker introduces a secondary scoring channel.

That positional fluidity intersects with a modern-day recruitment style that prioritises attackers capable of rotating across the front three without sacrificing structure.

The former Everton star’s output backs that versatility, with sustained goal contributions across domestic and European competitions.

Champions League productivity further elevates his profile, demonstrating effectiveness against compact defensive blocks rather than solely open-field scenarios.

England’s projected World Cup set-up places him within a competitive attacking pool, but his pace and direct running offer tactical differentiation against teams that play low blocks.

Newcastle United’s evolving financial situation means they may need to sell some key players this summer, and Gordon will be an attractive target.

Gordon’s valuation is already within a premium bracket, but successful tournament exposure could force his price even higher.

Jean-Philippe Mateta – Crystal Palace & France

Jean-Philippe Mateta was on course to join AC Milan during the winter transfer window, but the move collapsed after he failed his medical examinations.

The 28-year-old’s recent reintegration into the Palace squad shows he has returned to match fitness, but a ‘medical discount’ currently suppresses his valuation.

Mateta has developed a good reputation with France, scoring two goals in three appearances prior to his injury lay-off.

If Didier Deschamps decides to put him in the 26-man squad this summer, that would be as a result of his profile as a high-impact tactical option.

Limited appearances in a squad packed with attacking talents will require maximum efficiency from Mateta to influence market sentiment.

A productive World Cup would reframe his narrative from being a medical risk to short-term value acquisition, especially for clubs prioritising immediate attacking reinforcements.

Transfer structuring may lean towards performance-based incentives to manage risk, but Mateta could be a shrewd buy if he proves his worth this summer.