Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappé and Yamal Make 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World XI Shortlist
FIFPRO has released its 26-man shortlist for the 2026 Men’s World XI, an award voted for exclusively by professional footballers around the world. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are among the nominees, alongside Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Rodri and Michael Olise. Messi holds the record with 17 World XI appearances. A total of 19,806 professional players voted based on performances from August 4, 2025, to July 19, 2026. The final team will be announced on November 9, featuring one goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders, three forwards and one additional outfield player with the highest number of votes. The shortlist includes David Raya, Thibaut Courtois, Virgil van Dijk, William Saliba, Achraf Hakimi, Declan Rice, Bruno Fernandes, Pedri, Vitinha, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Enzo Fernández.
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