Seven World Cup stars who could make FIFPRO World 11

Performances at the FIFA World Cup have traditionally shaped how players vote in the FIFPRO Men's World 11.

Professional footballers around the world will soon cast their votes for the 2025/26 team of the year, with the biggest tournament in men's football fresh in their minds. Last year, more than 20,000 men’s players from 68 countries took part in the vote, making the World 11 the only global football award decided exclusively by professional players.

Here are seven players whose World Cup performances have strengthened their case for the 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World 11.

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Could record-holder Lionel Messi make a return to the World 11? Having been voted into 17 editions, no player has featured in the award’s history more than the Argentinian.

While Messi has not been included in the last two editions of the World 11, his performances at the 2026 World Cup could result in a valiant return should he be selected by his fellow professional footballers.

Messi finished among the tournament's leading scorers with eight goals while continuing to dictate matches with his vision. But beyond the numbers, it is the influence he exerted over every Argentina performance that stands out.

Rodri (Spain)

While attacking players often grab the headlines, Rodri's influence is impossible to ignore.

His positioning, passing range and defensive intelligence during the World Cup allowed Spain’s creative players to flourish, while his ability to control the rhythm of matches was central to his country’s road to the trophy.

Rodri’s sole World 11 appearance came in 2024. But with the 30-year-old showing once again why he is regarded as one of the current game’s finest midfielders, could we see him make a return to the team of the year?

Harry Kane (England)

Could 2026 be the year Harry Kane makes his World 11 debut? The England captain once again demonstrated why he remains one of the most complete centre-forwards in world football.

Kane blended goals with selfless centre-forward play, dropping deep to connect England’s attack while remaining a constant threat inside the penalty area.

Kane’s experience also proved invaluable during the tournament’s most demanding moments, carrying both the responsibility of leading his country and the expectation of delivering decisive contributions in the knockout stages.

Kylian Mbappe (France)

Kylian Mbappe once again underlined why he is regarded as one of the world’s most complete forwards.

His trademark pace remains devastating, but it is the evolution of his all-round game that stood out: Mbappe consistently carried France’s attacking threats deep into the knockout rounds, himself registering 10 goals and thus claiming the Golden Boot as the 2026 tournament's top scorer.

Already a regular in the World 11 having been voted into six of the last eight editions, Mbappe’s strong World Cup campaign reinforced his status among football’s elite once again. Will players select him in the team of the year once again?

Lamine Yamal (Spain)

At just 19 years old, Yamal played with the confidence of a seasoned international, combining fearless dribbling with the composure to influence the biggest matches.

But Yamal’s impact extended beyond highlight-reel moments and was instrumental in Spain's journey to the trophy and delivering in the biggest matches when the pressure has been greatest.

With fellow professionals placing enormous value on players capable of changing games individually, Yamal’s World Cup performances may strengthen his credentials for his second World 11 appearance.

Jude Bellingham (England)

Jude Bellingham combined goals with leadership throughout the World Cup, finishing among the leading scorers while delivering influential performances during the knockout stages.

Whether driving forward from midfield, breaking up opposition attacks or setting the tempo in possession, Bellingham showed real leadership on football’s biggest stage.

The World 11 vote often rewards players who excel in every phase of the game, and few midfielders displayed a more complete skill set throughout the tournament.

Erling Haaland (Norway)

After years of waiting, Erling Haaland finally announced himself on football’s biggest stage with a World Cup campaign that underlined why he is regarded as one of the game’s most feared strikers.

The Norway forward combined his trademark power and precision with an impressive knack for delivering in decisive moments.

While his seven goals in five games naturally attracted the headlines, Haaland's overall contribution was equally important: his movement created space for team-mates and his relentless work rate set the tone from the front.

How does World 11 voting work?

These seven players have all strengthened their credentials on football’s biggest stage, but the final decision now rests with the people who know the demands of elite football better than anyone else: their fellow professionals. 

Voting for the 2026 FIFPRO World 11 will soon begin, with players around the world deciding who deserves a place in this year's team.

FIFPRO and affiliated player unions distribute unique links that give professional footballers access to a digital voting platform. Players pick the three players 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 position make it into the World 11. The 11th spot is assigned to the outfield player with the next highest number of votes.