The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with standout performers already emerging after the first round of group-stage matches.
FIFA continues to award the Superior Player of the Match (also called Player of the Match) after each fixture, recognising the most influential player on the pitch.
As of June 17, 24 players have received the award following the opening round of group-stage matches.
June 11, 2026
Julian Quiñones (Mexico) earned the award after Mexicoâs 2-0 victory over South Africa.
Hwang In-beom (South Korea) received the honour following South Koreaâs 2-1 win against Czechia.
June 12, 2026
Ismael KonĂ© (Canada) was named Player of the Match in Canadaâs 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Folarin Balogun (USA) scored twice and earned the award in the USAâs 4-1 victory over Paraguay.
June 13, 2026
John McGinn (Scotland) received the award after Scotlandâs 1-0 win over Haiti.
Nestory Irankunda (Australia) earned the honour following Australiaâs 2-0 victory against TĂŒrkiye.
VinĂcius JĂșnior (Brazil) was named Player of the Match despite Brazilâs 1-1 draw with Morocco.
Mahmoud Abunada (Qatar) received the award in Qatarâs 1-1 tie with Switzerland.
June 14, 2026
Yan Diomande (CĂŽte dâIvoire) earned the award after CĂŽte dâIvoireâs 1-0 win over Ecuador.
Kai Havertz (Germany) was named Player of the Match in Germanyâs dominant 7-1 victory over Curaçao.
Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands) received the honour following the Netherlandsâ 2-2 draw with Japan.
Alexander Isak (Sweden) earned the award after Swedenâs 5-1 win against Tunisia.
June 15, 2026
Federico Valverde (Uruguay) was named Player of the Match despite Uruguayâs 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia.
Vozinha (Cabo Verde) earned the award in Cabo Verdeâs remarkable 0-0 draw against Spain.
Ramin Rezaeian (IR Iran) received the honour following IR Iranâs 2-2 tie with New Zealand.
Emam Ashour (Egypt) was named Player of the Match in Egyptâs 1-1 draw with Belgium.
June 16, 2026
Michael Olise (France) earned the award after Franceâs 3-1 victory over Senegal.
Erling Haaland (Norway) scored in Norwayâs 4-1 win over Iraq and received the Player of the Match award.
Lionel Messi (Argentina) was named Player of the Match following Argentinaâs 3-0 victory against Algeria.
Ali Olwan (Jordan) earned the honour in Jordanâs match against Austria.
June 17, 2026
Yoane Wissa (DR Congo) was named Player of the Match after DR Congo held Portugal to 1-1 draw.
Harry Kane (England) earned the honour after scoring a brace in Englandâs 4-2 victory over Croatia.
Antoine Semenyo earned the award after helping Ghana secure a 1-0 victory over Panama.
Luis Diaz was named Player of the Match after scoring a goal and creating an assist in Colombiaâs 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan.
