The World Cup meets global investing: Introducing CMC Invest’s International XI

Every four years, the FIFA World Cup brings together the world's best footballing nations in a battle for global bragging rights. In 2026, the tournament heads to the United States, Canada and Mexico for the biggest edition in history, with 48 countries set to compete on football's grandest stage.

To celebrate the World Cup, we've created the CMC Invest International Markets XI, a football-inspired lineup of leading global companies. Every stock selected comes from a country that has qualified for the World Cup and is available to invest in through CMC Invest.

From there, we selected some of the most popular and widely recognised client-favourite stocks from those markets, creating a world-class lineup of globally recognised companies across technology, luxury, healthcare, resources and consumer brands.

And because no world-class lineup would feel complete without a homegrown representative, Australia also earns a place in the squad through one of the ASX's biggest global companies, BHP.

With CMC Invest, Australian investors can access more than 20,000 stocks across 15 international markets, spanning the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. From AI leaders in the United States to luxury giants in France and advanced semiconductor businesses in the Netherlands, global investing has never been more accessible.

So, who's made the starting XI? Let's take a look at the team sheet.

Goalkeeper: Switzerland 

Nestlé 

Every great team starts with a reliable goalkeeper, and Switzerland’s Nestlé [NESN:CH] fits the role perfectly. 

As one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies, Nestlé owns globally recognised brands across coffee, nutrition and packaged food. The company is often viewed as a defensive stock due to the essential nature of its products and its broad international footprint. 

Like a dependable goalkeeper, Nestlé has built a reputation around consistency and resilience. 

Right Back: Canada 

Shopify 

Canada’s representative in the lineup is Shopify [SHOP:CA], the e-commerce platform powering millions of online businesses globally. 

Shopify has become one of Canada’s most recognised technology success stories and remains closely tied to the growth of digital commerce. Its fast-moving and innovative nature makes it a natural fit for the modern attacking full-back role. 

Centre Back: Germany 

SAP 

Germany is represented by SAP [SAP:DE], one of the world’s leading enterprise software companies. 

SAP sits at the centre of global business infrastructure, helping organisations manage finance, operations and customer relationships. Structured, disciplined and globally important, SAP reflects many of the characteristics traditionally associated with German engineering and football. 

Centre Back: Japan 

Toyota 

Japan’s place in the lineup goes to Toyota [7302:JP], one of the largest automotive manufacturers in the world. 

Toyota has spent decades building a reputation for scale, reliability and operational excellence. As the automotive industry evolves toward electric vehicles and new technologies, Toyota remains one of the world’s most influential manufacturers. 

Experienced, dependable and globally respected, Toyota represents the veteran leader in the squad. 

Left Back: New Zealand 

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare 

New Zealand’s representative is Fisher & Paykel Healthcare [FPH:NZ], a company specialising in medical devices and respiratory care products. 

While it may not attract the same headlines as some global technology giants, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare has built a strong international presence through healthcare innovation and consistent growth. 

It’s the kind of dependable performer every successful team needs. 

Central Midfield: Netherlands 

ASML 

If there’s one company powering the modern AI revolution behind the scenes, it’s ASML [ASML:NL]. 

The Dutch semiconductor equipment company is one of the world’s most strategically important technology businesses, supplying advanced lithography systems used to manufacture cutting-edge chips. 

As demand for AI infrastructure continues to grow, ASML has become increasingly important to the global technology ecosystem. 

In football terms, it’s the midfield engine room controlling the tempo of the game. 

Central Midfield: Sweden 

Spotify 

Sweden’s representative is Spotify [SPOT:US], the music streaming platform that transformed the global audio industry. 

Spotify’s international reach and strong consumer brand make it one of Europe’s most recognisable technology companies. Creative, influential and globally connected, it brings flair to the midfield. 

Central Midfield: Spain 

Inditex (Zara) 

Spain enters the lineup through Inditex [ITX:ES], the parent company of global fashion retailer Zara. 

Inditex has become one of the world’s largest apparel businesses by combining global scale with fast-moving supply chains and trend responsiveness. Technical precision and international reach make it a fitting addition to the squad. 

Right Wing: France 

LVMH 

France’s superstar representative is LVMH [MC:FR], the luxury conglomerate behind brands including Louis Vuitton, Dior and Moët & Chandon. 

LVMH has become one of Europe’s largest companies through the global growth of luxury spending and premium consumer demand. Its portfolio of iconic brands and worldwide influence make it one of the standout players in the lineup. 

Left Wing: Australia 

BHP 

Representing Australia is BHP [BHP:ASX], one of the world’s largest mining and resources companies. 

With operations spanning commodities including iron ore, copper and metallurgical coal, BHP plays a major role in the global economy and remains one of the most widely recognised Australian companies among investors. 

The company’s exposure to global infrastructure, industrial demand and the energy transition has helped position it as a long-term market heavyweight. Like a powerful winger capable of influencing the game from anywhere on the pitch, BHP brings scale, resilience and international reach to the International Markets XI. 

Striker: United States 

Nvidia 

Leading the line is Nvidia [NVDA:US], one of the biggest stories in global markets over recent years. 

The semiconductor giant has become synonymous with artificial intelligence, powering everything from advanced data centres to machine learning applications. Nvidia’s rapid growth and market influence have made it one of the most closely watched stocks globally. 

As the headline striker of the International Markets XI, Nvidia represents the momentum and excitement currently surrounding AI and technology investing. 

Access global markets with CMC Invest 

The World Cup highlights the global nature of sport. Investing can be global too. 

Through CMC Invest, investors can access international shares across: 

• Australia 

• United States 

• Canada 

• Japan 

• Hong Kong 

• Singapore 

• New Zealand 

• United Kingdom 

• Sweden 

• Denmark 

• France 

• Netherlands 

• Belgium 

• Switzerland 

• Germany 

• Spain 

Global investing allows investors to diversify beyond the Australian market and gain exposure to some of the world’s largest industries, trends and companies. 

Whether it’s artificial intelligence in the United States, semiconductors in Europe, healthcare innovation in New Zealand or luxury brands in France, international markets provide investors with access to opportunities across sectors and regions. 

As the world turns its attention to the biggest football tournament on the planet, investors may also be considering which global companies could shape the next era of growth. 

Because just like football, investing is increasingly a global game. 

Log in or sign up today to explore CMC Invest’s international markets. 

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. It has been prepared without taking account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not to be construed as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any financial instruments, or as a recommendation and/or investment advice. It does not intend to support an investment decision and it should not be relied upon by you in evaluating the merits of investing in any financial instruments. You should consider your objectives, financial situation and needs before acting on the information in this article. CMC Markets believes that the information in this article is correct, and any opinions and conclusions are reasonably held or made on information available at the time of its compilation, but no representation or warranty is made as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any statements made in this article. CMC Markets is under no obligation to, and does not, update or keep current the information contained in this article. Neither CMC Markets nor any of its affiliates or subsidiaries accepts liability for loss or damage arising out of the use of all or any part of this article. Any opinions or conclusions set forth in this article are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to the opinions or conclusions expressed by any other members of CMC Markets.