2026 FIFPRO World 11 Unveiled: Messi Extends Historic Record as Ballon d'Or Winner Harry Kane is Snubbed

The global players' union, FIFPRO, officially announced the 2026 Men's and Women's World 11 teams, voted on by more than 26,000 professional footballers from 75 countries. The player-driven awards produced historic milestones alongside major surprises, notably leaving out 2026 Ballon d'Or winner Harry Kane, marking the first time in history a reigning Ballon d’Or recipient missed the cut.

At 39 years old, Lionel Messi made a record-extending 18th appearance in the world lineup, leading a star-studded four-man attack alongside Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and 19-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal. Yamal carved out history of his own by becoming the first player ever to secure two World 11 selections before turning 20.

On the women's side, England's Lucy Bronze set a historic benchmark with her ninth appearance, cementing her legacy as the most decorated women's player in the award's history. Meanwhile, Zambia's Barbra Banda continued her dominance by earning her third consecutive selection, standing out as the only representative from the NWSL and the sole player selected from outside the core European powers of England and Spain.

2026 Men’s FIFPRO World 11

The men's lineup features a 3-3-4 formation heavily dominated by Spain's international stars and Paris Saint-Germain's defensive backline:

Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal, Spain)
Defenders:
- Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona, Spain)
- Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain, Morocco)
- Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)
Midfielders:
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England)
- Rodri (Manchester City / Barcelona, Spain)
- Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)
Forwards:
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway)
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, France)
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina)
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)

2026 Women’s FIFPRO World 11

The women's lineup features a traditional 4-3-3 shape completely swept by players representing England and Spain, with a single history-making exception:

Goalkeeper: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea, England)
Defenders:
- Lucy Bronze (Chelsea, England)
- Alex Greenwood (Manchester City, England)
- Mapi León (Barcelona / London City Lionesses, Spain)
- Irene Paredes (Barcelona, Spain)
Midfielders:
- Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona, Spain)
- Alexia Putellas (Barcelona / London City Lionesses, Spain)
- Ella Toone (Manchester United, England)
Forwards:
- Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride, Zambia)
- Claudia Pina (Barcelona, Spain)
- Alessia Russo (Arsenal, England)

Ultimately, the 2026 FIFPRO World 11 awards proved that soccer’s global hierarchy is undergoing a massive shift. As legends like Lionel Messi and Lucy Bronze continue to rewrite the history books, the rise of teenage sensations like Lamine Yamal and historic inclusions like Barbra Banda signal a bold, diverse future for the sport. Voted on strictly by the players themselves, this year's lineup isn't just a collection of elite stats, it is a definitive, peer-reviewed portrait of footballing excellence in 2026.