The differing "man of the match" awards at the 2026 World Cup stem from FIFA's new policy, designed to respect players' religious beliefs and cultural differences. This initiative became apparent when Lionel Messi and Ousmane Dembele received distinct trophies.
In Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria and 2-0 win against Austria, Messi received the man of the match award from a beer company, an official tournament sponsor. His trophy and the photo backdrop prominently featured the American beer brand's emblem.
Conversely, after scoring a hat-trick in France's 4-1 defeat of Norway, Dembele's award differed. His trophy bore only the words "man of the match" and the official World Cup emblem, without any beer company logo. The advertising board behind him also displayed a brand-free backdrop.
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Dembele received the man of the match award after France's 4-1 victory over Norway in the final match of Group I at the 2026 World Cup, held at Foxborough Stadium, Boston, US, on 26/6. *Photo: AFP*
Dembele was not alone; players such as Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Mohamed Salah, Arda Guler, Achraf Hakimi, and Ismael Saibari also received awards without alcoholic beverage branding. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed to SPORTbible that organizers prepare these brand-free awards and backdrops if requested by the honored player. This policy also extends to players who are not of legal age to consume alcohol in the host country.
This measure primarily addresses Muslim players, for whom consuming or promoting alcohol conflicts with their religious beliefs. FIFA, however, does not automatically provide this version to all Muslim players; its use is implemented "at the player's request".
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Messi received the man of the match award after Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria at the 2026 World Cup, held at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, US, on 22/6. *Photo: screenshot*
Beer sponsorship has previously caused controversy at the World Cup. At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy notably refused his "man of the match" award due to its association with an alcoholic beverage sponsor. That incident sparked debate on balancing commercial interests with players' religious rights. Eight years later, FIFA appears to have found a solution.
Beyond the award, Dembele's performance against Norway was historic. He became the third player to score a hat-trick at the 2026 World Cup, following Lionel Messi (Argentina 3-0 Algeria) and Jonathan David (Canada 6-0 Qatar). This marked the 57th hat-trick in the tournament's history, and Dembele became the first player to score three or more goals in the first half since 1994.
Dembele's opening goal.
Hoang An (according to Bild, FIFA)
