The International Federation of Professional Footballers' Associations (FIFPRO) defined the best eleven of the last season. Based on the selection of their own peers, the union revealed the World XI 2026 with the standout players of the season, including Lionel Messi, the only Argentine representative.
A total of 19,806 footballers from 73 countries participated in the voting, which once again crowned the Rosario star after his last appearance in 2023. In this way, the current forward of Inter Miami extended his own record and reached 18 appearances in the ideal team since 2007, when he was recognized for the first time.
Another notable aspect of this edition was the presence of Lamine Yamal. The Barcelona forward, who had also been part of the team in 2025, became the first footballer to be selected twice for the World XI before turning 20.
The most voted, the unexpected absences, and the debuts
The Arsenal goalkeeper, David Raya, was the player who received the most votes: he garnered 10,278 votes, equivalent to 52% of the total. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé led the selection among field players, with 9,105 votes (46%). The Real Madrid forward was one of the four attackers chosen, along with Erling Haaland (28.4%), Messi (29.5%), and Yamal (37.4%).
In contrast, one of the most striking absences was that of Harry Kane. The English forward, fresh winner of the Ballon d'Or 2026, did not secure a spot in the ideal eleven despite receiving 27.6% of the votes. Another name that shone for its absence was Unai Simón, winner of the Golden Glove at the World Cup and the Yashin Award for best goalkeeper of the year.
The list also featured two debutants in the men's category: David Raya and Pau Cubarsí. The Arsenal goalkeeper and the Barcelona defender joined a list where Spain is the country with the most historical appearances in the World XI, with 53 selections spread across 17 footballers.
How it was chosen
The FIFPRO World XI has been awarded since 2005 and remains the only global football award decided exclusively by professional footballers. For this year's selection, performances between August 4, 2025, and July 19, 2026 were taken into account. Candidates had to have played at least 30 official matches during that period.
Each participant chose the three players they considered most outstanding in each of the four positions: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, and forward. The most voted in each category secured their place, while the eleventh spot went to the remaining field player with the highest number of votes.
The FIFPRO Men's World XI 2026
Goalkeeper:
David Raya (Spain / Arsenal)
Defenders:
Pau Cubarsí (Spain / Barcelona)
