The world's leading footballers have been recognised by their fellow professionals, with the 2026 FIFPRO Men's and Women's World 11 teams now confirmed.

The annual teams are voted for exclusively by professional players, with 26,317 footballers from 75 countries taking part in this year's selection.

Both selections have now been confirmed, with England international Lucy Bronze making history in the women's team and Lionel Messi returning to the men's selection.

Lucy Bronze makes history in Women’s World 11

Bronze has been named in the 2026 FIFPRO Women’s World 11 for a record ninth time, extending her record as the player with the most appearances in the team's history.

The Chelsea defender is joined by fellow England internationals Hannah Hampton, Alex Greenwood and Ella Toone, while Arsenal forward Alessia Russo also earns a place.

The full 2026 Women’s World 11 is:

  • Goalkeeper: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea, England)
  • Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea, England), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City, England), Mapi Leon (Barcelona/London City Lionesses, Spain), Irene Paredes (Barcelona, Spain)
  • Midfielders: Aitana Bonmati (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)

Banda is the only player from outside England or Spain to make the selection. Her third appearance also extends her record as the African woman with the most Women's World 11 selections.

Irene Paredes also returns to the team nine years after making her first Women's World 11 appearance in 2017.

Lionel Messi extends record in Men’s World 11

Messi has returned to the FIFPRO Men’s World 11 for the first time since 2023, taking his record number of selections to 18.

The Argentine forward, who was first selected in 2007, is joined by 18-year-old Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, who becomes the first player to earn two World 11 selections before turning 20.

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya is also included, alongside fellow Spaniards Pau Cubarsi and Rodri.

The full 2026 Men’s World 11 is:

  • 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 Mbappe (Real Madrid, France), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)

The selection also takes Spain's record tally of Men's World 11 appearances to 53, with Raya, Cubarsi, Rodri and Yamal among this year's selections.

How are the FIFPRO World 11 teams selected?

The World 11 remains the only global football award decided exclusively by professional players.

A total of 6,511 women’s footballers from 64 countries voted for the women's team, while 19,806 men's players from 73 countries selected the men's XI.

Players select the three footballers they believe performed best in each of four positions: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward. The goalkeeper and the three highest-voted players in each outfield position earn places in the team, with the final spot going to the remaining outfield player with the most votes.

Players were judged on performances during different eligibility periods. The men's selection covered 4 August 2025 to 19 July 2026, while the women's selection covered 4 August 2025 to 16 August 2026.