Players with Most man of Match awards in FIFA World Cup 2026

The top standout performer will go on to become the player of the tournament.

The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup is now in its final phases. With just the last few matches left, the tournament is only going to be intense. The nation that will be able to survive this is going to clinch the prestigious trophy this year.

The mega competition kicked off with 1,248 players across 48 nations battling for the grandest prize of them all. This will be one memorable tournament for a lot of teams. Cabo Verde made their debut on the world stage for the first time and only produced magic on the field.

In the round of 32, they pushed the defending champions, Argentina, to the limit. This collective effort from the Cape Verde squad was beautiful to watch. But other than team performances, there have been some moments of individual brilliance.

From an experienced Lionel Messi to a young Jude Bellingham, these stars have produced exceptional performances and played crucial roles in guiding their respective nations to victory.

Also Read: Gianni Infantino hints at 64-team expansion for FIFA World Cup 2030

Most Player of the Match awards at 2026 World Cup

1. Lionel Messi — 4

Despite his age, Lionel Messi is showing no signs of slowing down. In Argentina’s opening game of the FIFA World Cup 2026, he scored a hat-trick and led his side to an easy win. In the very next game, Messi scored a brace against Austria. His third Player of the Match award came after a hard-fought battle against Cabo Verde in the round of 32.

Leo Messi went on to clinch the fourth award after his masterclass against Egypt in the round of 16. He is currently one of the favourites to win the Player of the Tournament title. La Albiceleste will go up against England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals and the 39-year-old will be looking to come up with a top performance. Messi now has a record 15 official FIFA World Cup Player of the Match awards throughout his career.

2. Jude Bellingham — 4

Jude Bellingham is currently enjoying a sensational campaign at the flagship tournament. He has been a crucial player for the England national football team in the midfield and with his game-changing capabilities on the attacking front. The 23-year-old secured his World Cup Player of the Match award after England’s goalless draw against Ghana.

Then, in the very next fixture, he came up with a goal and an assist against Panama to secure another. Bellingham then scored a sensational brace against Mexico in the round of 16 to secure his third award. He came up with a top-notch effort against Norway in the quarterfinals to secure his fourth Player of the Match award. Jude Bellingham now has as many awards as Lionel Messi in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

3. Kylian Mbappe — 3

Kylian Mbappe has continued his form on the grandest stage of them all. He is in a tight Golden Boot race alongside Leo Messi. The 27-year-old went on to clinch his first Player of the Match award after his brace against Iraq in the group stage. Then he went on to score yet another brace to secure his second award in the round of 32 game against Sweden.

Mbappe’s third Player of the Match award in the FIFA World Cup 2026 after his sensational efforts against Morocco in the quarterfinals. He continues to be the engine for the French attack and is one of the favourites to clinch the Player of the Tournament award. A top performance against Spain in the semi-final might earn him one.

4. Erling Haaland — 3

Erling Haaland was the heart and soul of Norway’s attack during their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign. The 25-year-old secured three Player of the Match awards after his sensational performances against Iraq, Senegal and then, most importantly, Brazil.

His brace knocked out the five-time world champions from the mega competition this year. Haaland’s efforts were not enough alone to help the Norway national football team get to glory. They were knocked out by England in the quarterfinals.

5. Vinicius Junior — 3

After a lot of criticism, Vinicius Junior proved that he can perform well for the Brazil national football team. He was one of the main men in the final third for the Canarinho during the FIFA World Cup 2026. The 26-year-old went on to win the Player of the Match on three occasions during the mega competition this year.

The first one for his performance against Morocco. Vini Jr. then secured it against Haiti after a goal and an assist. He scored a sensational brace against Scotland to secure his third Player of the Match award.

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