National teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup are relying more than ever on players based outside their home countries, highlighting the globalisation of football talent.
According to data from Voronoi and Transfermarkt, Switzerland tops the list, with 100 per cent of its World Cup squad playing abroad. Argentina follows at 94 per cent, ahead of Brazil (89 per cent) and France (83 per cent).
Germany records 33 per cent of players based overseas, while England stands at 22 per cent and Saudi Arabia at 11 per cent.
The trend reflects a dramatic shift in world football. In 1990, only one in four World Cup players competed abroad. By 2026, that figure has risen to 72 per cent, underscoring the growing international movement of elite football talent
