FIFPRO Names 26-Player Women's World 11 Shortlist
Only two NWSL players made the shortlist as voting by 6,511 players from 64 countries continues toward a final 11 on November 9.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Soccer
FIFPRO released a 26-player shortlist for the 2026 Women's World 11 on Monday, November 2. Four of the shortlisted players are non-European, and the final 11 will be announced on November 9.
Why it matters
The FIFPRO World 11 is voted on exclusively by players, with 6,511 women's footballers from 64 countries taking part, making it a player-driven recognition of the sport's top talent. The shortlist's heavy European concentration and the presence of only two NWSL players highlight where the world's leading players are based.
The players
FIFPRO
FIFPRO is the global representative body of professional footballers' unions, which runs the annual World 11 player-voted selection.
Barbra Banda
Barbra Banda is a Zambian striker who plays for the Orlando Pride in the NWSL.
Ann-Katrin Berger
Ann-Katrin Berger is a German goalkeeper who plays for Gotham FC in the NWSL.
The details
Barbra Banda of the Orlando Pride and Ann-Katrin Berger of Gotham FC are among the shortlisted players. Notable omissions include Jamaica and Manchester City forward Bunny Shaw and Haiti and OL Lyonnes midfielder Melchie Dumornay.
Timeline
Monday, November 2, 2026: FIFPRO releases the 26-player shortlist.
Monday, November 9, 2026: The final 11 Women's World 11 players are announced.
Season Trajectory
The FIFPRO World 11 is a player-voted award, so its shortlist reflects which leagues and countries are producing the players their peers rate highest. Only two NWSL players making the shortlist places the league's standing among the world's top women's competitions in sharper focus.
Fantasy and fan debates around the World 11 will center on which of the 26 shortlisted players make the final 11 on November 9. Readers following the NWSL should note that only Banda and Berger represent the league on the shortlist.
The takeaway
Player-voted awards like the FIFPRO World 11 offer a view of talent from the people who play against it. Following the November 9 announcement will show which players earned that peer recognition.
What happens next
The final 11 Women's World 11 players will be announced on November 9, 2026.
Further reading
For broader coverage of the women's game and its top competitions, explore Soccer news.
