The 2026 FIFPRO Best XI has been announced: Messi is included, Kane is not.

On November 9th local time, the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO) officially announced the results of its 2026 Men's World XI selection. Argentine football legend Lionel Messi made his 18th selection, setting a new record, while newly crowned Ballon d'Or winner Harry Kane was surprisingly left out.

This selection process involved 19,806 professional male football players from 73 countries and regions participating in online voting, primarily based on their performance between August 4, 2025, and July 19, 2026. According to the regulations, each voter selected three players from each of the four positions: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, and forward. The goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards with the most votes will be selected for the 2026 Men's Football Best XI. The 11th spot will be awarded to the remaining player with the most votes.

The complete list of the 2026 FIFPRO Men's Best XI is as follows:

Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal/Spain)

Defenders: Pau Kovacic (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: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami/Argentina), Erling Haaland (Manchester City/Norway), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid/France), Lamin Yamar (Barcelona/Spain)

Image source: Internet/FIFPRO official website