FIFPRO Unveils 2026 Men's and Women's World 11 Teams

The 2026 FIFPRO Men's and Women's World 11 teams have been announced, featuring several established football stars and new names. The teams were selected by 26,317 professional footballers from 75 countries, making the World 11 the only global football award determined exclusively by professional players. This year's selections produced several notable achievements across both categories. The men's team features representatives from top European clubs, including Arsenal, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, and Manchester City.

Lionel Messi extended his record to 18 FIFPRO World 11 appearances, returning to the selection for the first time since 2023. Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first player to earn two World 11 selections before turning 20. His teammate Pau Cubarsi, also 19, joins him in the team, representing the emergence of a new generation in world football. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and Cubarsi are among three players making their first appearances in the men's and women's selections.

The women's selection includes players from Chelsea, Barcelona, Arsenal, and Manchester United. England defender Lucy Bronze established a new record with her ninth appearance, moving further ahead of France's Wendie Renard, who has seven selections. Zambia international Barbra Banda made her third appearance, extending her record as the African woman with the most FIFPRO World 11 selections. Banda was the only player in the women's team representing a country outside England and Spain.

Spain also extended its record as the country with the most men's World 11 appearances, reaching 53 selections across 17 different players. Another notable return came from Spain defender Irene Paredes, who earned her first selection since 2017, ending a nine-year gap between appearances. The announcement attracted attention due to several high-profile players who failed to secure places in the final teams.

Notable omissions in the men's category included England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, who missed out despite winning the 2026 Ballon d'Or. Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was another notable absentee after featuring among the 26 finalists but failing to make the final team. Other players who featured on the men's shortlist but missed out included Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice.

The 2026 FIFPRO Men's World 11 team consists of David Raya (Arsenal) in goal, defenders Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), and Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), midfielders Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Rodri (Manchester City/Barcelona), and Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), and forwards Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), and Lamine Yamal (Barcelona).

The Women's list includes Hannah Hampton (Chelsea) in goal, defenders Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Mapi Leon (Barcelona/London City Lionesses), and Irene Paredes (Barcelona), midfielders Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona), Alexia Putellas (Barcelona/London City Lionesses), and Ella Toone (Manchester United), and forwards Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride), Claudia Pina (Barcelona), and Alessia Russo (Arsenal).

Key points

• The 2026 FIFPRO World 11 teams were selected by 26,317 professional footballers from 75 countries.
• Lionel Messi extended his record to 18 FIFPRO World 11 appearances.
• The women's selection was led by England defender Lucy Bronze, who earned her ninth appearance.