US-based Malawian women's football star Temwa Chawinga has missed out on a nomination for the 2026 Fifpro Women's World 11. This is despite her impressive performances for both club and country. Chawinga, a forward for the Scorchers, became the first African to finish in the top 10 of the Ballon d'Or Féminin rankings last month. Her absence from the list of 26 finalists is notable, as the selection is decided exclusively by professional footballers.
The Fifpro Women's World 11 finalists were chosen based on votes from 6,511 professional women footballers worldwide. The 26 players who received the most votes during the period from August 4, 2025, to August 16, 2026, made it to the list. To be eligible, players must have appeared in at least 20 official matches during that period. Chawinga had an impressive year, making 19 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) regular-season appearances and featuring in all six matches for Scorchers at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon).
Chawinga's performances were outstanding, winning the Golden Boot and helping the Malawi Women's National Football Team reach the final. This secured qualification for the 2027 Fifa Women's World Cup in Brazil. She also featured in the NWSL Challenge Cup, taking her known appearances across the three competitions to at least 26 official matches. Despite this, she was not included in the Fifpro Women's World 11 list.
Football analyst Twaha Chimuka described Chawinga's exclusion as strange. However, he noted that the Fifpro World 11 is subjective because the winners are determined by votes from fellow players. Unlike the Ballon d'Or, which is decided by journalists and technical experts, the Fifpro World 11 relies on players' votes. Chimuka suggested that playing in a less popular league might put players at a disadvantage.
The list of finalists includes players from prominent European clubs, such as Barcelona's Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas, and Ewa Pajor, as well as Arsenal forward Alessia Russo. Notably, Zambia captain Barbra Banda, who plays for NWSL outfit Orlando Pride and finished 18th in the 2026 Ballon d'Or, has made the Fifpro list. Banda's inclusion highlights the competitive nature of the selection process.
The final Fifpro Women's World 11 team will be unveiled on November 9. The team will comprise a goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards. The remaining place will go to the outfield player with the next-highest vote. The selection process, although subjective, reflects the opinions of professional footballers worldwide.
Chawinga's exclusion from the Fifpro Women's World 11 list is a surprise, given her impressive performances. Her achievements, including winning the Golden Boot at the 2026 Wafcon, demonstrate her skill and dedication to the sport. Despite this setback, Chawinga's career continues to gain recognition, and she remains a prominent figure in women's football.
Key points
- Temwa Chawinga not nominated for 2026 Fifpro Women's World 11 despite impressive performances for club and country.
- The Fifpro Women's World 11 selection is based on votes from 6,511 professional women footballers worldwide.
- The final Fifpro Women's World 11 team will be unveiled on November 9, comprising a goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards.
