Spain, England each has 5 on women's soccer World XI team voted by players. US misses out again
London City Lionesses' Alexia Putellas gestures during the Women's Super League soccer match between London City Lionesses and Manchester City in London, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. Credit: AP/Ian Walton
HOOFDDORP, Netherlands — Five Spain players and five England players though none from the United States again were chosen by peers for the women’s World XI team named Monday by their global union FIFPRO.
Orlando Pride and Zambia forward Barbra Banda was the team member with an African or North and South American connection elected.
More than 6,500 women players from 64 countries voted, said the Netherlands-based union which was announcing results in the men's team lineup later Monday.
In the 2025 women's lineup, Banda was joined by Morocco midfielder Ghizlane Chebbak. The 2024 team also included Banda and had two South Americans, Brazil great Marta and Colombia’s Linda Caicedo.
The last U.S. player to be voted on was Alex Morgan in the 2023 team.
European champion Barcelona provided five players to the team, including three-time Ballon d’Or winners Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati. Putellas and defender Mapi Leon both moved on to London City Lionesses since Barcelona’s latest Women’s Champions League title in May.
Defender Irene Paredes and forward Claudia Pina completed the contingent from 2023 Women's World Cup winner Spain on the World XI team.
Arsenal's Alessia Russo, front, celebrates after scoring her side's first goal during the Women's Super League Soccer match between Arsenal and Aston Villa in London, England, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026. Credit: AP/Andrew Matthews
The quintet from European champion England was goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and defender Lucy Bronze from Chelsea, Manchester City defender Alex Greenwood, Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone and Arsenal forward Alessia Russo. Bronze earned a record ninth selection in the team that was first elected in 2015.
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FIFPRO Women's World XI
Goalkeeper: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea, England)
Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda looks on during an NWSL soccer match against the Chicago Stars, March 14, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. Credit: AP/Phelan M. Ebenhack
Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea, England), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City, England) Mapi Leon (Barcelona/London City Lionesses, Spain), Irene Paredes (Barcelona, Spain)
Midfielders: Aitana Bonmati (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).
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