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The only major accolade decided entirely by fellow professionals has unveiled the FIFPRO World XI for 2026, with Bayern Munich's iconic striker Harry Kane notably absent from the lineup.
Drawing on votes cast by 19,806 footballers registered with the global players' union, FIFPRO has announced the team considered to have delivered the finest 2025–26 season by their fellow professionals. While honors such as the Ballon d'Or tend to favor attackers and rely on journalist votes, the World XI demands a wider perspective.
Players chose their top three goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards through a digital platform, based solely on performances between Aug. 4, 2025 and the World Cup final on July 19, 2026. The most-selected goalkeeper, along with the three highest-voted defenders, midfielders, and forwards, formed the core of the XI. The remaining spot went to the most popular outfield player regardless of position.
As with any large-scale public vote, surprises are inevitable. Kane's omission is particularly stunning—he becomes the only Ballon d'Or recipient to be left out of that year's World XI since the award was introduced in 2005.
Goalkeeper
Remarkably, the newly crowned Yashin Trophy recipient at this year's Ballon d'Or didn't even make the shortlist. It appears the world's professional players recognized that Spain's defensive dominance at the World Cup owed little to Unai Simón, who managed just 10 saves across eight matches.
Simón's fellow Spaniard, David Raya, earned the honor instead after playing a pivotal role in Arsenal's Premier League title triumph.
Beaten Nominees
Defenders
Having been controversially overlooked for the Kopa Trophy in favor of Lamine Yamal, Barcelona's composed Pau Cubarsí received well-earned recognition here. The teenager accumulated more appearances (eight) than misplaced passes (seven) at the 2026 World Cup, brilliantly organizing a backline that conceded only once throughout the entire tournament.
Paris Saint-Germain's fullback duo of Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi claimed the remaining two defensive positions, edging out Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel in the vote, just as they had done in the Champions League final.
Beaten Nominees
Midfielders
"If you think I'm good, good," Declan Rice recently told GQ. "If you think I'm s---, all right. But eventually I'll prove you wrong." The world's footballers remain unconvinced, however, as they passed over Arsenal's relentless midfielder in favor of his England teammate, Jude Bellingham.
Rice would likely have no complaints about his World Cup colleague, who netted an impressive seven goals in North America, and openly admires another honoree. "Rodri's a monster," he said of his former Premier League rival. "I'm a great admirer of him." His fellow professionals clearly share that sentiment, with Rodri's quiet but crucial role as Spain's midfield metronome earning him a place in the XI.
PSG's Champions League-winning central midfielder Vitinha completed the midfield trio.
Beaten Nominees
Forwards
The 2026 FIFPRO Men's #World11 ✨
Decided exclusively by 19,806 professional men's footballers worldwide.
By the players, for the players 🏆 pic.twitter.com/MnHEMHxtf1
This is undoubtedly the most startling omission on the entire list. Kane is barely a fortnight removed from one of the most memorable nights of his career, having claimed the individual honor every modern footballer covets, yet he failed to win over his peers.
Bayern Munich's prolific striker and creative force led the world in goals scored, yet still couldn't secure one of the four forward positions. Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal's inclusion came as little surprise, but the World Cup performances of Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi ultimately proved more persuasive than Kane's campaign.