FULL LIST: All 2026 World Cup Player of the Match winners so far

A huge replica of the World Cup trophy is seen during the opening ceremony ahead of the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026. (Photo by Alfredo ESTRELLA / AFP)

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway in the United States, Mexico and Canada, with standout performers already emerging across the opening round of group-stage matches. FIFA continues to name its Superior Player of the Match award winners after each fixture, recognising the most influential player on the pitch. As of June 17, 20 players have received the award following the first round of group-stage matches. Argentina’s Lionel Messi, Norway’s Erling Haaland and France’s Michael Olise were among the latest recipients after their performances on Tuesday. Lionel Messi Also among the winners is US forward Folarin Balogun, who scored twice in his side’s 4-1 victory over Paraguay in Los Angeles. Related News England starts World Cup bid as Ronaldo makes history Nigerians must not stay silent on insecurity, Davido tells Rarara VIDEO: England can dream of World cup glory, Says Tuchel Brazil star Vinícius Júnior received the honour after helping the five-time world champions secure a 1-1 draw against Morocco in a Group C encounter. Here are the 2026 World Cup Player of the Match winners so far: June 11 Mexico 2-0 South Africa — Julian Quiñones (Mexico) South Korea 2-1 Czechia — Hwang In-beom (South Korea) June 12 Canada 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina — Ismael Koné (Canada) USA 4-1 Paraguay — Folarin Balogun (USA) June 13 Scotland 1-0 Haiti — John McGinn (Scotland) Australia 2-0 Türkiye — Nestory Irankunda (Australia) Brazil 1-1 Morocco — Vinícius Júnior (Brazil) Qatar 1-1 Switzerland — Mahmoud Abunada (Qatar) Sunday, June 14, 2026 Côte d’Ivoire 1-0 Ecuador — Yan Diomande (Côte d’Ivoire) Germany 7-1 Curaçao — Kai Havertz (Germany) Netherlands 2-2 Japan — Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands) Sweden 5-1 Tunisia — Alexander Isak (Sweden) Monday, June 15, 2026 Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay — Federico Valverde (Uruguay) Spain 0-0 Cabo Verde — Vozinha (Cabo Verde) IR Iran 2-2 New Zealand — Ramin Rezaeian (IR Iran) Belgium 1-1 Egypt — Emam Ashour (Egypt) Tuesday, June 16, 2026 France 3-1 Senegal — Michael Olise (France) Iraq 1-4 Norway — Erling Haaland (Norway) Argentina 3-0 Algeria — Lionel Messi (Argentina) Austria vs Jordan — Ali Olwan (Jordan) More awards to come A total of 104 Superior Player of the Match awards will be presented during the tournament, culminating in the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium. PUNCH Online w