France and Spain are set to compete in the most expensive men's World Cup semi-final ever, with their combined squad value estimated at around $3.2 billion, significantly surpassing previous tournament records. Key players like Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé contribute heavily to these valuations, with France holding an edge in attack and defense, while Spain's goalkeepers are valued higher. Despite the record-breaking financial figures, ticket demand for this match is lower than for the England vs. Argentina semi-final, which is largely driven by the anticipation of Lionel Messi's potential farewell appearance.