FIFPRO named 26 finalists for its 2026 Men’s World 11 on November 2, with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane heading a shortlist voted for by professional players worldwide.
The World 11 carries unusual weight because it is the only global team award voted exclusively by professional players, rather than journalists, coaches or fans, according to FIFPRO.
A total of 19,806 players from 73 countries took part in the voting, FIFPRO said. Players qualified on performances between August 4, 2025 and July 19, 2026, provided they had made at least 30 official appearances in that period.
The final team will be made up of the goalkeeper with the most votes, the three highest-ranked defenders, three midfielders and three forwards, plus the next highest-voted outfield player. FIFPRO will announce the team on November 9 from 14:00 CET on its digital platforms.
Kane is joined among the forwards by Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal, who finished second and third respectively in this year’s Ballon d’Or voting. Messi and Ronaldo also remain in contention after both scored multiple goals at the 2026 World Cup, according to USA Today.
Goalkeepers
Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid, Belgium)
Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa, Argentina)
David Raya (Arsenal, Spain)
Defenders
Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona, Spain)
Marc Cucurella (Chelsea, Spain)
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands)
Gabriel (Arsenal, Brazil)
Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain, Morocco)
Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)
William Saliba (Arsenal, France)
Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich, France)
Midfielders
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England)
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United, Portugal)
Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea, Argentina)
Pedri (Barcelona, Spain)
Declan Rice (Arsenal, England)
Rodri (Manchester City, Spain)
Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)
Forwards
Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway)
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain, Georgia)
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid, France)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina)
Michael Olise (Bayern Munich, France)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr, Portugal)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)
What is confirmed is the 26-player shortlist and the November 9 announcement date. What is not yet known is the final eleven itself, which will only be settled when the players’ votes are revealed.
