A total of 267 players who will take part in the 2026 World Cup changed clubs during the summer transfer market. This data reveals the extent of movements in international football ahead of the tournament.
Among the players who changed clubs, names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, who signed for Al-Nassr, and Lionel Messi, who transferred to Inter Miami, stand out. Both stars, although already in advanced stages of their careers, continue to have guaranteed presence in their national teams.
Portugal ranks on the podium of countries with the most signings of players heading to the World Cup. This reflects the strong activity of Portuguese football in the summer market, both in terms of sales and acquisitions.
The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams, a significant increase compared to the previous 32-team editions. This growth in the number of participants contributes to the increase in the number of players involved in the tournament and, consequently, in transfers before the competition.
