As the World Cup kicks off, the FundCalibre team look beyond the pitch to investment opportunities, highlighting funds offering exposure to nations expected to shine on football’s biggest stage.
England fans will be resting their vocal chords over the next few days as they prepare for the start of the 23rd FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. After 60 years of hurt, will football finally be coming home or will the wait go on?
While football success and investment returns are not directly linked, major international events can shine a spotlight on economies and markets that are already attracting investor interest.
With that in mind, we have identified a selection of funds offering exposure to several of the nations expected to feature prominently during the competition.
USA, Mexico and Canada
As host nations, the USA, Mexico and Canada will attract significant attention throughout the tournament.
For investors seeking exposure to the US market beyond the mega-cap technology names, Schroder US Mid Cap offers a differentiated approach. Managed by Bob Kaynor, which has a focus on small and medium-sized companies, with a diversified set of return drivers, in order to dampen the risk of the overall portfolio.
Mexico also has a lively chance given the tournament is on their home turf as well. Raucous support and being used to playing at altitude and high temperatures also plays into their hands (or feet).
JPMorgan Emerging Markets Growth & Income, which targets high-quality businesses it can invest in over the long term, currently invests 3% in the country*.
Meanwhile, Canada’s vast natural resources – from precious metals to uranium – are increasingly prized, and the country stands to benefit from Mark Carney’s industrial strategy directing billions into Canadian infrastructure projects.
Those seeking Canadian exposure might consider the M&G Global Listed Infrastructure fund, which has 17.5% invested in the country. This includes Franco Nevada, a gold-focused royalty and streaming company, headquartered in Toronto, Ontario*.
Spain
Spain are many people’s favourites to build on the success of winning Euro 2024 and claim their second World Cup.
Investors can gain exposure to the country through BlackRock Continental European Income. Managed by Brian Hall and currently invests 10% in Spain*, including CaxiaBank, which is one of the largest retail banks in the country.
The fund targets undervalued European companies that offer reliable, sustainable dividends; potential dividend growth; and protection against inflation, with a lower level of risk. The fund also offers an attractive yield for income-focused investors.
England
England have only won the title once – on home soil in 1966 – but hopes are high this time around, having reached two Euro finals and the semi-final and quarter finals of the last two World Cups.
For investors wanting exposure closer to home, Unicorn UK Smaller Companies provides access to one of the most under-researched areas of the UK market.
Manager Simon Moon builds a high-conviction portfolio of 40 names. He looks for stocks with lasting competitive advantages, experienced management teams and strong balance sheets.
A large proportion of research is performed in-house – this allows Unicorn to identify companies often missed by brokers.
Brazil
Players wearing the famous yellow and blue strip of Brazil have been crowned world champions a record five times. Although the last time they lifted the trophy was back in 2002.
Still, Brazil remains one of the most important emerging markets globally and is represented in a number of specialist emerging market funds.
GQG Partners Emerging Markets Equity fund currently has 22.8% invested in Brazilian equities*, including their largest holding Petróleo Brasileiro, Brazil’s giant state-controlled oil company and one of the most important energy companies in the emerging markets world.
Another to consider with a strong allocation to Brazilian equities is FSSA Global Emerging Markets Focus, which has a 7.5% allocation to the country*.
Morocco
Morocco are seen by many as the dark horse of this tournament. Having reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, they have a strong defence and a sprinkling of star players including Achraf Hakimi. They are also used to the heat, which will be a big factor in this World Cup.
T. Rowe Price Frontier Markets Equity currently has a 10.5% allocation to Moroccan equities, including Attijariwafa Bank, the largest bank in Morocco and one of the biggest financial institutions in North Africa*.
The managers believe that frontier equity markets are among the most inefficient globally, offering significant opportunities for active managers with deep regional expertise.
The fund is unconstrained by market cap or sector and includes developed and emerging market-listed firms with substantial frontier exposure.
Japan
Another team with optimism behind them is Japan. They have a growing talent pool and have pushed a number of big teams (Germany, Spain and Belgium) recently.
Baillie Gifford Japanese is one of the oldest funds in the IA Japan sector. Managed by Matthew Brett and Jared Anderson, the research process is designed to ensure the best ideas of each individual team member are included in the portfolio.
It is built around five specific factors: a company’s competitive advantage, industry, financial strength, how well it is run and its valuation.
*Source: fund factsheet, 30 April 2026
Main image: football, bence-balla-schottner-deGn9vSwXIM-unsplash
Past performance is not a reliable guide to future returns. You may not get back the amount originally invested, and tax rules can change over time. The writer’s views are their own and do not constitute financial advice.
This information should not be relied upon by retail clients or investment professionals. Reference to any particular investment does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell the investment.
