The FifPro Women's World XI shortlist for 2026 was unveiled on Monday, revealing several high-profile omissions that sparked debate among players and fans. The 26-player list, voted on by 6,511 women's footballers from 64 countries, covers performances between 4 August 2025 and 16 August 2026. The final XI will be announced on 9 November at 13:00 GMT.
Notable absentees include Manchester City's Khadija Shaw, who finished third in the Ballon d'Or and scored 21 goals in 22 games to help City win a league and FA Cup double. Malawi's Temwa Chawinga, Haiti's Melchie Dumornay, Barcelona's Caroline Graham Hansen, and Denmark captain Pernille Harder were also left out despite strong seasons.
Conversely, England trio Ella Toone, Chloe Kelly, and Chelsea's Aggie Beever-Jones earned surprise inclusions. All three were initially omitted from the latest Lionesses squad, and Beever-Jones scored only seven goals in all competitions during the voting period. Meanwhile, in-form players like Lauren Hemp and Lauren James missed out.
Shortlist by position
Goalkeepers: Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham, Germany), Catalina Coll (Barcelona, Spain), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea, England).
Defenders: Ona Batlle (Barcelona/Arsenal, Spain), Lucy Bronze (Chelsea, England), Ellie Carpenter (Chelsea, Australia), Emily Fox (Arsenal, USA), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City, England), Mapi Leon (Barcelona/London City Lionesses, Spain), Katie McCabe (Arsenal/Chelsea, Republic of Ireland), Irene Paredes (Barcelona, Spain).
Midfielders: Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona, Spain), Ghizlane Chebbak (Al-Hilal/Free Agent, Morocco), Patri Guijarro (Barcelona, Spain), Anaele Le Moguedec (Paris FC, France), Vicky Lopez (Barcelona, Spain), Alexia Putellas (Barcelona/London City Lionesses, Spain), Ella Toone (Manchester United, England).
Forwards: Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride, Zambia), Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea, England), Athenea del Castillo (Real Madrid, Spain), Ada Hegerberg (OL Lyonnes, Norway), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal, England), Ewa Pajor (Barcelona, Poland), Claudia Pina (Barcelona, Spain), Alessia Russo (Arsenal, England).
