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Kai Havertz opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the kind of performance that makes award committees look smart. The German forward scored twice in a 7-1 dismantling of Curaçao on June 14, earning the inaugural Michelob ULTRA Superior Player of the Match trophy in Houston.
What happened in Houston
Havertz was the standout in a squad full of quality. His brace anchored the scoreline and made him the obvious choice for the individual award. He had been named to Germany’s 26-man squad on May 21, giving him roughly three weeks to prepare for what turned out to be a clinical opening performance.
The match took place at Houston Stadium, one of the US venues hosting the tournament.
The Michelob ULTRA Superior Player of the Match award
Michelob ULTRA, the official beer sponsor of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, created a custom trophy specifically for this tournament cycle. The award is a custom aluminum piece designed with the brand’s signature red ribbon. It’s meant to recognize standout individual performances across every match of the tournament.
What to watch going forward
The Michelob ULTRA Superior Player of the Match award will be handed out after every game of the tournament.
The 2026 tournament is the first to feature 48 teams, an expansion from the traditional 32. That means more matches, more awards, and more opportunities for players to make their names on football’s grandest stage.
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English (US) · 