The highly anticipated World Cup is set to kick off, with Mexico facing South Africa in the inaugural match. Fans around the globe can look forward to 27 consecutive days packed with thrilling soccer action. While many supporters are likely rallying behind their primary teams, a sensible strategy might include having a backup option ready, especially for those rooting for potentially underperforming squads like the US team.
For those looking to diversify their fandom, considering countries with strong financial performance could be an interesting approach. Based on Vegas odds, traditional favorites include Spain, France, England, Portugal, Brazil, Argentina, and Germany. However, a fresh perspective might involve supporting teams from countries whose stock markets have surged by 10% or more thus far in 2026, offering both a sporting and financial angle. The teams listed below are ranked by their year-to-date stock market returns as of Wednesday.
Starting with Belgium, the BEL 20 index reflects a year-to-date return of 10%. Highlighting a key player, Jérémy Doku has emerged as a formidable force in the Premier League, known for his speed and ability to create scoring opportunities.
Moving onto the Netherlands, the AEX index shows a 11% return. Veteran defender Virgil van Dijk, although no longer dominating in his prime, still proves essential in neutralizing top strikers and contributing to set pieces.
Austria comes next with a 12% return in the ATX index. Konrad Laimer, a hard-working midfielder from Bayern Munich, embodies the team’s pressing style and is crucial in midfield battles.
Poland’s stock market performance sits at a 13% return on the WIG20 index. While Robert Lewandowski often grabs the headlines, Jakub Kiwior is making strides as a key defensive figure in the squad, with experience at top clubs like Arsenal.
Turkey follows with a robust 22% return on the BIST 100 index. Rising star Arda Güler, who gained attention during Euro 2024, has taken his talents to Real Madrid and is a promising playmaker for his national team.
In the Asian context, Japan shows an impressive 27% return on the Nikkei 225 index. The pressure lies on Takefusa Kubo, dubbed the “Japanese Messi,” to step up significantly in the absence of injured teammate Kaoru Mitoma.
Lastly, South Korea leads with a remarkable 83% return on the KOSPI index. Lee Kang-in, the creative playmaker for Paris St. Germain, will be key to South Korea’s gameplay and is likely to be involved in many scoring plays.
As the World Cup festivities get underway, fans have a unique opportunity to engage not only with thrilling soccer matches but also with the underlying narratives of financial realities tied to these countries.
