The centre-half was part of the 10-man shortlist for the prize announced in July, alongside Liverpool teammates Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
But after votes from fans, journalists, national team coaches and captains, that list of players has now been whittled down to a trio, with Van Dijk joined by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The No.4 won the PFA Players' Player of the Year in April before last week being named both UEFA Men’s Player of the Year and Champions League Defender of the Season.
The winner of the FIFA accolade will be announced at a ceremony in Milan on September 23.