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We're about to witness the largest World Cup ever, and the most expensive in its history.
48 national men's teams will play 104 matches in 16 host cities across the US, Canada, and Mexico over 39 days (June 11 - July 29th, 2026).
According to analysts, the tournament is expected to be attended by between 5 million - 6.5 million spectators, including 1.2 million from overseas, and is forecasted to contribute about US$41 billion to global GDP.
As this sporting spectacle gets underway ...
You might be surprised at how uncanny footballing prowess overlaps with financial market outperformance, at least so far in 2026!
To be clear, certainly we are not suggesting that sporting superiority is a contributing factor for a country's FX/equities performance.
Merely that such comparisons make for intriguing reading.
Of the 48 participating countries, we rank the top 5 currencies and stock markets so far this year:
(% year-to-date performance vs. US dollar till June 10th, 2026)
1) Paraguay Guarani: +7.3%
(6th best performing major currency year-to-date)
2) Norwegian Krone: +6.5%
(9th best performing major currency year-to-date)
3) Colombian Peso: +6.4%
(10th best performing major currency year-to-date)
4) Brazilian Real: +5.6%
(12th best performing major currency year-to-date)
5) Australian Dollar: +4.9%
(14th best performing major currency year-to-date)
South America is a football powerhouse: its nations have won a combined 10 World Cups between them.
Their currencies - namely Paraguay, Colombia, and Brazil (see above) - have also outperformed their peers worldwide so far this year due to:
Double-digit interest rates make these currencies attractive for global investors who borrow money from other countries (with lower rates) to earn higher yields in Brazil and Colombia. More demand for these currencies = higher prices.
Despite falling away from triple-digit prices, Brent oil is still about 27% higher since the Iran war erupted.
This benefits commodity-dependent economies, and their currencies, such as Brazil (Latin America's biggest oil producer), Norway, and Australia.
Zambian Kwacha - which has soared a staggering 26.5% against the US dollar so far this year!
However, Zambia failed to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
- available within Bybit universe
(% year-to-date performance till June 10th, 2026; measured in USD)
1) Japan's Nikkei225: +24.2%
2) Brazil's BVSPX: +10.9%
3) Netherlands NETH25: +8.9%
4) US SP500: +6.2%
5) Spain's ES35: +3.2%
The AI frenzy has sent global investors searching far and wide for companies that are linked to the industry, powering the likes of the SP500, Nikkei225, and NETH25 to new record highs multiple times this year.
Beyond the AI-mania, soaring commodity prices proved to be a boon for Brazilian equities, while the relatively cheaper valuations of Spanish equities also proved enticing.
South Korea's KOSPI index, which has skyrocketed 73.7% so far this year!
Although South Korea will be partaking in the World Cup arena, its benchmark stock index has yet to enter the Bybit universe.
DISCLAIMER:
This article is provided for general information and reflects the author's views only. It does not constitute investment advice, nor an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any financial instruments or digital assets. Your ability to access or use any products or services mentioned may be subject to the laws and regulatory requirements of your jurisdiction.