The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is on, and it’s already changing the soccer card market! With the tournament returning to North America for the first time in decades, interest in soccer collectibles is rising as collectors prepare for what could be one of the hobby’s biggest booms yet. From legendary icons like Messi and Ronaldo, who may be making their final World Cup appearances, to young stars leading the next generation, demand for these cards has never been higher. Whether you’re a die-hard collector or simply looking to invest in the World Cup buzz, here are some soccer cards worth targeting ahead of the world’s biggest tournament!
First up on our list of top soccer cards worth investing in is Lionel Messi! Messi is considered the crown jewel of the soccer cards market for a reason. After winning the 2022 World Cup and making the move to Inter Miami, he’s going into the 2026 tournament as a household name. Collectors continue chasing his early Barcelona cards, Panini Prizm World Cup parallels, and rare PSA 10 rookies. One of the biggest recent sales came in September when a PSA 10 2004-05 Panini Megacracks #71 Messi rookie sold for a whopping $960,000 through Fanatics Collect! Some top cards worth investing in are the 2022 Panini Prizm World Cup Silver Prizm, 2014 Panini Prizm World Cup Base and 2004-05 Panini Megacracks Rookie.
Next up is a legend who’s also the most followed athlete in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo! Ronaldo’s cards are considered some of the safest investments in soccer collecting because of his popularity. With this year possibly being Ronaldo’s final World Cup, there’s even more urgency for collectors. In August, a PSA 10 2002 Panini Sports Mega Craques Ronaldo rookie sold for $121,026 through Fanatics Collect. Keep an eye out for his 2002 Panini MegaCracks Rookie, 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup, or any rare autograph parallels!
As far as young players go, no one is getting more attention right now than Lamine Yamal! At just 18 years old, the Barcelona and Spain superstar is already being compared to Lionel Messi because of his technical ability. Many collectors are betting on him being the star of the 2026 World Cup tournament. In recent months, four different Yamal cards have sold for more than six figures. The most valuable was a 2024 Topps Chrome UEFA Euro Chrome Autographs SuperFractor PSA 10 that reached $396,500. The best cards to target before the World Cup include the 2023 Donruss Optic Holo, Topps Chrome UEFA Rookie Cards, as well as any low-numbered autographs and SuperFractors!
Despite only being 22 years old, Jude Bellingham has already become England’s midfield leader! His move to Real Madrid took his career to the next level, and his cards are among the most chased in Europe. In November 2025, a 2020-21 Topps Merlin Chrome SuperFractor sold for $40,000 on eBay, setting a new record for one of his cards. Be on the lookout for his 2021 Panini Prizm, 2020 Topps Chrome UEFA, and Topps Merlin Chrome parallels!
Next up on our list of top soccer cards worth investing in is a previous World Cup winner and one of the most feared forwards ever, Kylian Mbappé! His combination of speed, skill, and popularity makes him one of soccer’s strongest investments. His first major cards appeared in the 2017-18 sets, and demand remains extremely strong across both rookies and premium autos. In August 2025, a National Treasures Road to Qatar Platinum Auto Black 1/1 sold on eBay for $25,000. The best cards to target before the World Cup are the 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Rookie, Monaco rookie cards, and National Treasures autographs!
Another player whose appearance in the World Cup is sure to bring even more attention to their soccer cards is Erling Haaland! Haaland’s goal scoring ability has made him one of the most feared forwards in the world. His Topps Chrome Bundesliga rookie cards continue to rise in value as collectors invest in his long-term superstar potential. Be on the lookout for his Topps Chrome Bundesliga Rookie, Prizm World Cup parallels, and Low-numbered autos!
With Canada hosting the 2026 World Cup tournament, Alphonso Davies has the potential to become one of the biggest players in the world! His journey from refugee to Bayern Munich superstar makes him one of the sport’s most inspiring figures, and North American collectors already love his cards. The highest sale for a Davies card came when a 2022 Prizm World Cup Gold Vinyl 1/1 PSA 9 sold for $9,119 in December 2023. If you’re looking to invest in a Canadian player this summer, be sure to look for cards like the 2022 Prizm World Cup parallels, Rookie autos, and Bayern Munich Chrome rookies!
The 2026 FIFA World Cup could become the biggest moment soccer cards have ever seen! With legendary icons like Messi and Ronaldo potentially playing in their final tournament, superstars like Mbappé and Haaland, and young stars like Yamal and Bellingham leading the next generation, the value of soccer trading cards are expected to increase dramatically. Check out our wide selection of trading cards and stickers at SoccerCards.ca!
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