A portfolio that maps the global economy onto the World Cup
In connection with the upcoming Football World Cup, at the beginning of 2026 we created the hypothetical VIG Football World Cup Equity Portfolio Index which is more than a creative reinterpretation of football odds – it is also a clearly structured hypothetical global equity portfolio. Its composition reveals which countries, regions, and economic sectors currently form the backbone of the world’s most popular sport, viewed through an unconventional yet highly intuitive lens.
Which countries make up the portfolio?
The portfolio currently consists of the leading equity indices of 11 countries. These are typically football powerhouses with significant economic weight as well:
- Western Europe: Spain, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Netherlands
- Latin America: Brazil, Argentina, Colombia
- Northern Europe: Norway
Source: Bet365, ESPN, VIG Asset Management
As of 5 January 2026
This mix brings together developed markets and emerging economies, resulting in natural diversification.
Regional allocation
The portfolio is predominantly European:
- Europe: ~70%
- Latin America: ~25%
- Other regions: ~5%
This weighting is no coincidence: current football odds favor Europe, and the model reflects this consistently. At the same time, Latin American exposure adds growth potential – along with higher volatility.
Sector perspective
Although the portfolio is built from country indices, clear sectoral patterns emerge – familiar to anyone who has followed the advertising boards around top football leagues:
- Financials (banks, insurers): ~30%
- Energy and commodities: ~20%
- Industrials and infrastructure: ~20%
- Consumer goods and services: ~15%
- Technology and telecommunications: ~10%
- Other sectors: ~5%
Source: VIG Asset Management
This structure reflects the ‘old economy’ more than a classic global technology portfolio; in return, it exhibits a sectoral composition that is typically less technology-driven and may imply a different risk–return profile compared to a traditional global technology portfolio.
How much of the global economy does it cover?
Taken together, the countries included in the portfolio represent:
- approximately 45–50% of global GDP, and
- around 40% of global equity market capitalization.
This means that the VIG Football World Cup Equity Portfolio Index is based on an investment universe representing nearly half of the global economy.
Conclusion
This imaginary portfolio is simultaneously global, thematic, and easy to understand. It does not aim to cover everything; instead, it focuses sharply on those countries and sectors where football passion, economic significance, market liquidity, and narrative power intersect. That is precisely what makes it well suited to rethinking investments through a fresh, playful perspective – while still supporting more confident, real-world investment decisions.
Curious about the origin of the VIG Football World Cup Equity Portfolio Index and the logic behind it? Find out more in our blog post.
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The portfolio presented and the related analyses are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice, an offer, or a recommendation, nor do they form the basis for any investment decision. The performance presented is based on hypothetical calculations, is for informational purposes only, and does not reflect the past or future returns of any existing investment product.
The construction of the portfolio and the determination of probabilities involve the use of statistical models and methods based on artificial intelligence; any projections or forecasts regarding future performance are not guaranteed.
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