# FIFPRO Men’s World 11 2026 Shortlist Revealed: Messi, Ronaldo and Yamal Among 26 Nominees

URL: https://technosports.co.in/fifpro-world-11-shortlist/  
Published: 2026-11-03  
Updated: 2026-11-03  
Author: Ankush Mallick

[FIFPRO](https://www.fifpro.org/en)has announced the 26 finalists for the 2026 Men’s World 11, a list that includes some of the biggest names in world football. The shortlist was decided by votes from 19,806 professional footballers across 73 countries, and it covers performances between 4 August 2025 and 19 July 2026.

The World 11 is unusual among major football awards because it is decided exclusively by players. Only players who made at least 30 official appearances in the eligibility period could be nominated.

## The Full Shortlist of FIFPRO Men’s World 11

| Position | Nominees (26 in total) |
| --- | --- |
| Goalkeepers (3) | Thibaut Courtois, Emiliano Martínez, David Raya |
| Defenders (8) | Pau Cubarsí, Marc Cucurella, Virgil van Dijk, Gabriel, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano |
| Midfielders (7) | Jude Bellingham, Bruno Fernandes, Enzo Fernández, Pedri, Declan Rice, Rodri, Vitinha |
| Forwards (8) | Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Michael Olise, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lamine Yamal |

## How the Team Is Picked

The final World 11 will include the goalkeeper with the most votes, the three highest-ranked defenders, three midfielders and three forwards. An additional outfield player with the next-highest vote total takes the eleventh place, so the final team can include a player who did not finish in the top three of his position.

![FIFPRO Men's World 11 2026 shortlist graphic](https://images.technosports.co.in/2026/11/FIFPRO-Mens-World-11-819x1024.avif)

With 26 nominees competing for 11 places, the selection will be closely contested, particularly in the defensive and forward lines.

## Notable Names on the List

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo both feature among the forwards, with each having continued to play at a high level for Inter Miami and Al Nassr respectively. Both also scored multiple goals at the 2026 World Cup, according to reports.

Barcelona have three nominees: Lamine Yamal in attack, and Pedri and Pau Cubarsí in midfield and defence. Yamal, who played in the forwards group, is among the younger players to be recognised on the list.

Real Madrid’s representatives include Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, while Courtois is the Madrid goalkeeper on the shortlist. Paris Saint-Germain is also well represented, with Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes and Vitinha on the list.

Arsenal are represented by David Raya, Gabriel, William Saliba and Declan Rice, reflecting the strength of their squad in the 2025-26 season.

## Players Who Could Make a Difference

The strongest competition is likely to come in the forward line, where Haaland, Kane, Kvaratskhelia, Mbappé, Messi, Olise, Ronaldo and Yamal all have strong claims. Each has been a central figure for his club or country in the eligibility period.

![Cristiano Ronaldo, a forward nominated for the FIFPRO Men's World 11](https://images.technosports.co.in/2026/11/Cristiano-Ronaldo-1024x683.avif)

In defence, Van Dijk, Saliba and Hakimi are among the names with a strong record over the period, making the three defender places hard to predict.

## The Key Dates

| Date | Event |
| --- | --- |
| 4 August 2025 | Start of the eligibility period |
| 19 July 2026 | End of the eligibility period |
| 2 November 2026 | Shortlist announced |
| 9 November 2026 | Final World 11 to be revealed |

## What to Watch For

Attention will now turn to the final announcement on 9 November, when the eleven players chosen by the vote will be revealed. The result will show how players themselves rate the performances of their peers across the season and the World Cup.

Because the award is voted for by players rather than journalists or coaches, the outcome is seen as a direct reflection of the view within the professional game.

![Harry Kane, a forward nominated for the FIFPRO Men's World 11](https://images.technosports.co.in/2026/11/Harry-Kane-1-1024x682.avif)

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## FAQs

How many players are on the shortlist?

There are 26 nominees, grouped into three goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders and eight forwards.

Who voted for the shortlist?

19,806 professional footballers from 73 countries voted.

When will the final World 11 be announced?

The final team will be revealed on Monday, 9 November 2026.

How is the final team selected?

The goalkeeper with the most votes, the three highest-ranked defenders, three midfielders and three forwards are chosen, with one extra outfield player taking the eleventh place.

Which players from Barcelona are shortlisted?

Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Pau Cubarsí are on the shortlist.