In advance of The Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Michelob ULTRA, America’s top-selling and fastest-growing beer and Official Beer Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, is commemorating exceptional achievement with the launch of the competition’s newly created MVP trophy. After each FIFA World Cup 2026 match, one exceptional player will be chosen by fans to receive the Superior Player of the Match trophy, which was developed in collaboration with famous designer and artist Victor Solomon.
To unveil the trophy, Lionel Messi, a worldwide brand ambassador and soccer superstar, collaborated with the sport’s top players to produce a digital film that highlights the award’s distinction and intense competition. With 11 victories, Messi is the most successful recipient of the Player of the Match trophy, more than any male athlete in FIFA World Cup™ history.
Ricardo Marques, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Michelob ULTRA, said, “As the U.S., Canada, and Mexico prepare to host the FIFA World Cup, Michelob ULTRA set out to create a trophy worthy of this historic moment. The 2026 Superior Player of the Match trophy celebrates four years of training, unforgettable plays, and hard-fought battles. This design stands as a tribute to the dedication, passion, and excellence of the players who will lift it this summer.”
Trophy for the Best Player of the Match
Soccer fans will have a significant role in the FIFA World Cup 2026 by voting for the Superior Player of the Match trophy, which will be given to a remarkable player following each match.
The design was led by acclaimed artist Victor Solomon, who boasts a wide-spanning legacy in sports, designing the most iconic trophies and celebratory memorabilia, including the NBA’s Larry O’Brien trophy. The 2026 Superior Player of the Match award honors the competition and host nations by fusing tradition and modernity with:
- Satin-finished aluminum form with an open top sloped with a 26-degree angle for the tournament year
- The red insert is made of 104 faceted red crystal pieces in reference to the number of matches in the tournament and representative of Michelob ULTRA’s signature ribbon as the design centerpiece.
- Three-layer trophy base representing the host countries, Canada, Mexico and the United States
With this new design, Solomon continues to merge artistry and legacy, celebrating superior performance in every detail and the athletes who rise to the occasion when it matters most.
Superior Access To The FIFA World Cup 2026
Throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026, Michelob ULTRA will provide soccer’s most passionate fans with a chance to win over $1 million in match tickets and gear as part of the brand’s Superior Access platform. Launching in tandem with The Final Draw, Michelob ULTRA ’94 to ’26 Tickets, a limited-time ticket giveaway, is celebrating the fans who continue to show up for soccer over the decades. For select fans, a ticket from the 1994 FIFA World Cup™ might just be a ticket for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. Full details can be found on Michelob ULTRA’s social channels.
Michelob ULTRA’s Commitment To Soccer
The trophy unveiling marks the next milestone in Michelob ULTRA’s long-term investment in the world’s most popular sport by proudly sponsoring every major international soccer tournament taking place in the U.S., including Copa América USA 2024™, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, the FIFA World Cup 2026™, and the Olympic Games LA 2028. The brand also continues its support of the U.S. National Team, along with its ongoing partnership with global ambassador Lionel Messi.
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