[3] The official first match of the FIFA World XI was held against England on the 100th anniversary of the Football Association – 23 October 1963.

[1] Prior to this, matches had been played in 1947 against the United Kingdom in Scotland (to celebrate the four British national teams returning to FIFA, with the proceeds going to the world governing body)[4] and against England in 1953 (for the Football Association's 90th anniversary – in fact all the players were from continental Europe).

FIFA has organised several World XI squads to compete in various commemorative exhibitions and charity testimonials,[5] but in its own documentation, the only official World Stars Games listed are those against national, pan-continental or representative teams; its matches against club teams including New York Cosmos, Hamburger SV, Benfica, Anderlecht, Flamengo, Barcelona, Manchester United and Real Madrid are not included.

[7] The Women's World XI first played on 14 February 1999 at Spartan Stadium in San Jose, California, United States, for the draw of the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup, defeating the United States 2–1.

[6] Centenary of the (English) Football Association 65th birthday of Ricardo Zamora 10th anniversary of Brazil's first World Cup title (1958) Farewell game for Garrincha 1st Anniversary of Argentina's first World Cup victory (1978) FIFA Charity Match for UNICEF FIFA Charity Match for UNICEF FIFA Charity Match for UNICEF FIFA Charity Match for SOS Children's Villages Hong Kong Reunification Cup Russian Football Centennial Match FIFA Charity Match for SOS Children's Villages 75th Anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic and the Turkish Football Federation Centenary of the FIGC (Italian Football Federation) Official opening of Stadium Australia Farewell game for Nelson Mandela "Football For Peace" Charity Match for SOS Children's Villages Football for Hope (Indian Ocean Tsunami funds)[9][10][3] Farewell game for Zico Pelé's 50th Birthday Kobe Earthquake Benefit Match[25] World Dream Soccer Exhibition Farewell game for Diego Maradona Reunification Cup - celebration of the 10th Anniversary of Hong Kong's reunification with China[26] 90 Minutes for Mandela[7] First ever women's World Stars match played to coincide with the official draw for the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup USA FIFA Centennial Match Match played to coincide with the official draw for the FIFA Women's World Cup China 2007