England and Spain have emerged as the dominant forces in the 2026 FIFPRO Women’s World XI, with both countries contributing five players to the prestigious team selected by professional footballers worldwide.
The team, unveiled on Monday, November 9, recognises the outstanding performers in women’s football following a voting process involving 6,511 professional female footballers from 64 countries.
England and Spain each secured five places in the 11-player selection, while Zambia’s Barbra Banda emerged as the only African representative, further strengthening her growing reputation on the international stage.
Chelsea and England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was selected between the posts, while the defensive department featured England internationals Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood alongside Spanish duo Mapi León and Irene Paredes.
The midfield consisted of Barcelona stars Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas, both three-time Ballon d’Or winners, alongside England and Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone.
In attack, Zambia captain and Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda was joined by Barcelona’s Claudia Pina and Arsenal striker Alessia Russo.
Banda’s inclusion is particularly significant, as she secured her third consecutive FIFPRO Women’s World XI appearance, becoming the first African woman to achieve the feat.
The Zambian forward also extended her record as the most-selected African woman in the history of the prestigious team, underlining her consistency and influence in women’s football.
Another major talking point from this year’s selection was Lucy Bronze’s remarkable achievement. The Chelsea defender earned her ninth appearance in the FIFPRO Women’s World XI, setting a new record for the most selections in the women’s category.
Bronze’s latest recognition further highlights her longevity and consistency at the highest level of the women’s game.
Barcelona also enjoyed a strong presence in the selection, with Bonmatí, Putellas, León, Paredes and Pina all earning places in the final team, although some of the players have since moved to other clubs.
The voting process was conducted through a secure digital platform shared by FIFPRO and its affiliated players’ unions. Players were assessed based on their performances between August 4, 2025, and August 16, 2026, with a minimum of 20 official appearances required to qualify.
Each voter selected their preferred players across four positions: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward. The players with the highest votes in each category secured places in the team, while the final position went to the remaining outfield player with the highest number of votes.
The selection once again underlines the growing influence of women’s football and the increasing recognition of players who continue to shape the sport globally.
For Africa, Banda’s achievement stands out as another important milestone, with the Zambian international continuing to fly the continent’s flag among the world’s elite female footballers.
Full list of 2026 FIFPRO Women’s World XI
Goalkeeper: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea, England).
Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea, England), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City, England), Mapi León (Barcelona/London City Lionesses, Spain), Irene Paredes (Barcelona, Spain).
Midfielders: Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona, Spain), Alexia Putellas (Barcelona/London City Lionesses, Spain), Ella Toone (Manchester United, England).
Forwards: Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride, Zambia), Claudia Pina (Barcelona, Spain), Alessia Russo (Arsenal, England).
