Five World Cup stars who could make FIFPRO World 11 debut

For some players, the FIFA World Cup is a tournament that can change how the football world sees them. Professional footballers around the globe will soon cast their votes for the 2026 FIFPRO World 11, with performances on football’s biggest stage likely to be fresh in their minds.

Last year, more than 20,000 players from 68 countries took part in the men’s voting. The World 11 is the only global football award decided exclusively by professional footballers.

While seasoned World 11 regulars such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland impressed at the 2026 World Cup, others – despite consistently performing at the highest level – are still waiting for their first World 11 selection.

FIFPRO looks at five players whose performances at the 2026 World Cup may have strengthened their case to earn the votes of their peers and make their first World 11.

Harry Kane (England)

For all of Harry Kane’s individual accolades, one achievement has so far eluded him: a place in the World 11.

At the 2026 World Cup, Kane led the line with authority, combining clinical finishing with intelligent movement and selfless link-up play. His willingness to drop deeper and connect England’s attack was as important as his threat inside the penalty area.

Professional footballers value consistency as much as moments of brilliance. After another major tournament in which Kane demonstrated his goalscoring quality and all-round influence, he has strengthened his case to earn a first World 11 selection.

Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain)

Mikel Oyarzabal has built a reputation for delivering when the stakes are highest, and the 2026 World Cup provided another reminder of his importance to Spain.

Whether scoring crucial goals, pressing relentlessly from the front or linking Spain’s fluid attack together, Oyarzabal’s influence frequently extended beyond the scoresheet.

In a side containing some of world football’s most exciting young talents, Oyarzabal supplied experience, reliability and an understanding of what the team required in different phases of a match. After playing a central role in Spain’s journey to the trophy, Oyarzabal has strengthened his credentials for a maiden World 11 selection.

Michael Olise (France)

Michael Olise arrived at the World Cup as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents. He leaves the tournament having shown he can influence matches at the highest level of international football.

Olise consistently caused problems for opposition defenders. Whether operating from the right, drifting into central areas or combining with France’s other attacking players, he offered a constant threat.

Though France narrowly missed out on another World Cup final, Olise emerged as one of their most influential attacking players. And with fellow professionals placing enormous value on players capable of changing matches through individual quality, Olise’s World Cup performances may have provided a strong case for his first appearance in the World 11.

Unai Simon (Spain)

For all of Spain’s attacking quality, their journey to World Cup glory was also built on the assurance of Unai Simon between the posts.

Simon, who only conceded one goal in eight games at the tournament, demonstrated his quality with composed performances throughout the World Cup, whether protecting Spain’s lead in tight knockout matches or helping his team build from the back.

The World Cup Golden Glove winner will have further strengthened his credentials to earn a maiden place in the FIFPRO World 11.

Enzo Fernandez (Argentina)

Enzo Fernandez once again demonstrated why he has become one of the most influential midfielders in international football.

While attacking players often dominate the headlines, Fernandez’s value lay in making those around him better. His composure under pressure helped Argentina play through opposition presses, while his tactical awareness and work without the ball provided balance in midfield. He also produced goals when it mattered, scoring the equaliser in Argentina’s semi-final win against England.

After another impressive World Cup campaign and Argentina’s run to the final, Fernandez may have done enough to secure his first place in the World 11.

How does World 11 voting work?

Professional footballers around the globe will soon begin voting for their FIFPRO World 11. FIFPRO and affiliated player unions distribute unique links that give players access to a digital voting platform.

Players select the three footballers who, in their opinion, were the most outstanding in each of the following positions: goalkeeper, defence, midfield and forward.

The goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards with the most votes in their positions are selected in the World 11. The final place is awarded to the outfield player with the next-highest number of votes.