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
