The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already delivered its first set of standout performers. After the opening round of group-stage matches, 24 players have been named Superior Player of the Match — FIFA's official man-of-the-match award.

Some names are exactly who you'd expect. Lionel Messi won it after Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria. Erling Haaland got the award despite playing only part of Norway's 4-1 victory over Iraq — he scored. Vinícius Júnior was named Player of the Match even though Brazil only managed a 1-1 draw with Morocco.

But the list also includes players you might not know. Cabo Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha earned the honour after his team held Spain to a 0-0 draw — a result that stunned many. Jordan's Ali Olwan won it after his country's match against Austria. Mahmoud Abunada of Qatar got the award after a 1-1 draw with Switzerland.

The full list of 24 winners covers every match from June 11 to June 17. Mexico's Julian Quiñones opened the tally on June 11 after a 2-0 win over South Africa. South Korea's Hwang In-beom followed with a 2-1 victory over Czechia.

Canada's Ismael Koné got the award in a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12. Folarin Balogun scored twice for the USA in a 4-1 win over Paraguay and took the honour.

June 13 saw Scotland's John McGinn win after a 1-0 victory over Haiti. Australia's Nestory Irankunda got the award after a 2-0 win against Türkiye. Vinícius Júnior and Mahmoud Abunada rounded out the day.

On June 14, Côte d'Ivoire's Yan Diomande won after a 1-0 victory over Ecuador. Kai Havertz was named Player of the Match after Germany's 7-1 demolition of Curaçao. Virgil van Dijk got the award despite the Netherlands' 2-2 draw with Japan. Alexander Isak won after Sweden's 5-1 win over Tunisia.

June 15: Federico Valverde was named Player of the Match despite Uruguay's 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia. Vozinha earned the award for Cabo Verde's shock 0-0 draw against Spain. Ramin Rezaeian won after Iran's 2-2 tie with New Zealand. Emam Ashour got the honour after Egypt's 1-1 draw with Belgium.

June 16: Michael Olise won after France's 3-1 victory over Senegal. Haaland took the award for Norway's 4-1 win over Iraq. Messi got it after Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria. Ali Olwan won for Jordan.

June 17: Yoane Wissa was named Player of the Match after DR Congo held Portugal to a 1-1 draw. Harry Kane scored twice in England's 4-2 win over Croatia and took the award. Antoine Semenyo won after Ghana's 1-0 victory over Panama. Luis Diaz got the honour after scoring and assisting in Colombia's 3-1 win over Uzbekistan.

Key Facts

  • 24 awards given across 24 matches in Round 1
  • 3 players won despite their team drawing or losing: Vinícius Júnior (Brazil draw), Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands draw), Federico Valverde (Uruguay draw)
  • Biggest win: Germany 7-1 Curaçao
  • Biggest upset: Cabo Verde 0-0 Spain
  • 5 players from African nations won: Julian Quiñones (Mexico-born, plays for Mexico), Yan Diomande (Côte d'Ivoire), Vozinha (Cabo Verde), Emam Ashour (Egypt), Yoane Wissa (DR Congo), Antoine Semenyo (Ghana)
  • 2 Asian winners: Hwang In-beom (South Korea), Ramin Rezaeian (Iran)

Round 2 of group-stage matches begins June 19. More players will get their chance to claim the award.