FIFA World Cup 2026: List of all Player of the Match award winners
After the end of each game, the best player gets the MOTM award.
FIFA’s worldwide football extravaganza, the FIFA World Cup, began with a pair of Group A matches in Mexico. It started with an opening ceremony featuring Shakira and Burna Boy playing the official World Cup 2026 song ‘Dai, Dai’.
After the participating nations’ flags were introduced, Andrea Bocelli and EJAE performed the Official FIFA World Cup Anthem. Then it was time for action.
The first day of the FIFA World Cup provided plenty of action and entertainment. These two games set an atmosphere for the competition and highlight what to expect as fans warm up for the World Cup.
Mexico, one of the three hosts, began their World Cup campaign with a 2-0 triumph over nine-man South Africa in front of a packed Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Julian Quiñones scored the tournament’s first goal inside 10 minutes. It was followed by Raúl Jiménez’s header in the second half to secure the victory.
South Korea came from behind to defeat Czechia 2-1 in Guadalajara, claiming three crucial points in Group A. Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu scored second-half goals that startled the Europeans, who had seized the lead in the 59th minute.
After every full-time whistle, players from the best team will receive a Man/Player of the Match award for their excellent performance. Following the first two World Cup 2026 opening games, the best players from Mexico and South Korea were handed the best player of the game award.
FIFA World Cup 2026: List of all Player of the Match award winners
World Cup 2026 Group Stage
Thursday, 11 June 2026
Mexico 2-0 South Africa – Julian Quinones (Mexico)
Korea Republic 2-1 Czechia – Hwang Inbeom (Korea Republic)
Who won the MOTM for Mexico vs South Africa?
Julian Quinones.
Who won the MOTM for South Korea vs Czechia?
Hwang In-beom
When is their next WC 2026 game?
Both South Korea and Mexico will face each other in the next game on 19th June, 6:30 am IST.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.