Ireland would have the 26th most valuable squad at…

Ireland would have the 26th most valuable squad at FIFA World Cup 2022

Ireland have a squad value higher than six of the countries that are heading to this month's World Cup in Qatar.

Data experts at betting company Boylesports have been pouring through the data on Transfermarkt and have determined that Ireland, had they qualified, would have been the 26th most valued squad at the tournament.

Based on Ireland's most recent squad, the Irish team is worth €112.5 million. This puts Ireland miles ahead of the six least valuable nations, which are Canada, Tunisia, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Costa Rica, Qatar and Iran.

Iran are by far the lowest valued squad in the tournament at €13 million, with hosts Qatar boasting a squad worth €15 million.

At the other end of the spectrum, England are far and away the most valuable side in the tournament. The Three Lions are valued at €1.26 billion, and are €120 million more valuable than the second most valuable team which is Brazil.

2018 World Champions France are the third most valuable team at just over 1 billion, while Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal are the fourth most valuable team at just a shade over €970 million.

Interestingly, Wales boast a more valuable squad than Ireland, too. The Dragons are valued at €164m, with Gareth Bale contributing only €2 million to this amount according to Transfermarkt.

A spokesperson for BoyleSports said: “According to squad values, the Ireland squad should be boarding a plane to Qatar as we speak.

“The Boys in Green boast a €112m-rated squad, putting them well ahead of six other nations who are fortunate enough to compete on the biggest stage of all.

“The research suggests despite being 5th favourites in the betting, England boast the most valuable squad at the tournament. Only time will tell if Gareth Southgate’s billion euro rated men can put their money where their mouth is after all.”

Here's the list of the most valuable squads in the tournament (Including Ireland)

And in terms of the outright odds for the World Cup, Boylesports have installed Brazil as favourites at 4/1.

BoyleSports: World Cup outright betting

Brazil- 4/1

Argentina - 6/1

France - 15/2

Spain - 9/1

England - 19/2

Germany - 12/1

Netherlands - 14/1

Portugal - 33/2

Belgium - 19/1