Zambian international Barbra Banda has been named in the 2026 FIFPRO Women's World XI, securing her third consecutive selection in the award's history. According to the Lusaka Times, Banda is the only African player and the only athlete based outside England and Spain to make the final eleven. This achievement marks her as the first African woman to reach this milestone in the player-voted team.
The FIFPRO World XI is distinct among major football honors because it is determined solely by the votes of professional players. Punch reported that the 2026 team was selected by 6,511 professional women’s footballers worldwide. The voting process required players to judge performances between August 4, 2025, and August 16, 2026, with a minimum of 20 official appearances required for eligibility. Each voter selected the three best performers in each position, with the highest-voted players in each role earning a place in the final lineup.
England and Spain dominate the selected team, with five players from each nation included in the eleven. Punch noted that Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was named in goal, while Lucy Bronze made a record ninth appearance in the defense. In midfield, Barcelona stars Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas were selected alongside Ella Toone. The attacking line features Banda from Orlando Pride, joined by Claudia Pina and Alessia Russo.
Banda expressed her gratitude for the recognition on her official Facebook page, as reported by the Lusaka Times. She described the selection as "extra special" given that it was chosen by thousands of her peers. The award body, FIFPRO, released the full list via its X handle on Monday, confirming the final composition of the team. This selection further cements Banda's status as the most-selected African woman in the history of the FIFPRO World XI.
The men's counterpart to the award, the 2026 FIFPRO Men's World XI, was also released on the same day. Punch reported that Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé headline the men's team, while 2026 Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane was notably absent. The men's list was disclosed in a tweet by FIFPRO, featuring players from clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester City. Both the men's and women's awards highlight the global reach of professional football, with players from diverse leagues and nations contributing to the final selections.