Messi and Hakimi named in 2026 FIFPRO World 11 as Kane misses out

FIFPRO has announced its men’s World 11 for 2026, with Lionel Messi and Achraf Hakimi included but Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane left out despite winning this year’s Ballon d’Or.

The team was revealed on Monday by the international union representing professional footballers. Messi, who plays for Inter Miami and Argentina, is joined in attack by Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal.

Hakimi is one of three defenders selected, alongside Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi and Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Nuno Mendes.

Arsenal and Spain goalkeeper David Raya completes the side, while the midfield is made up of Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, Rodri of Manchester City/Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha.

The full 2026 FIFPRO World 11 is:

Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal, Spain)

Defenders: Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona, Spain), Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain, Morocco), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England), Rodri (Manchester City/Barcelona, Spain), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)

Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid, France), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)

How the voting worked

Professional players from 75 countries submitted their choices using a secure digital platform provided by FIFPRO in partnership with its member player associations.

For the men’s World 11, performances were assessed from 4 August 2025 to 19 July 2026, with both dates included. Players had to feature in at least 30 official matches during that period to be eligible for selection.

Each voter selected three players they believed had produced the strongest performances in each of four areas: goalkeeping, defence, midfield and attack.

The goalkeeper and the three defenders, midfielders and forwards receiving the highest number of votes in their respective categories were then awarded places in the World 11.

The final position was reserved for the outfield player with the most votes among those who had not already been selected.