Barbra Banda, only African in 2026 FIFPRO World XI
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Punch
Zambian striker Barbra Banda appears in the FIFPRO World XI for the third consecutive time, becoming the first African to achieve the feat. She is the only African in the 2026 team, dominated by English and Spanish players, according to FIFPRO.
Zambia's Barbra Banda, an Orlando Pride striker, is the only African in the 2026 FIFPRO Women's World XI, the international union of professional footballers, according to the list published on Monday by the organisation on its X account. The team was chosen by 6,511 professional women footballers from around the world.
The Zambian striker earns her third consecutive selection in the XI, a first for an African player, and remains the most-selected African player in the history of the World XI. She is lined up in attack alongside Spain's Claudia Pina and England's Alessia Russo.
English and Spanish players dominate the list: England's Hannah Hampton (Chelsea) keeps goal, behind a defence made up of Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood (England) and Mapi Leon and Irene Paredes (Spain). The midfield brings together Spain's Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas, a three-time Ballon d'Or winner, and England's Ella Toone.
The vote, held on a secure digital platform shared by FIFPRO and its affiliated unions, covered performances from 4 August 2025 to 16 August 2026, with a minimum of 20 official appearances. Each voter named the three best players in each position.
