As the FIFA World Cup 2026 draws to a close, two nations remain in contention for the golden champions’ trophy, while several individual and team awards are also at stake. The end-of-tournament honors, awarded by FIFA after the final, are based on individual brilliance, iconic moments, and team discipline on the field.

Kylian Mbappe, the current holder of the top scorer award after netting eight goals in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, is among the favorites to win again. Lionel Messi, a multiple-time recipient of individual awards, is also expected to be a strong contender.

Since its introduction in 1978, the top individual award has often been given to players whose teams did not win the tournament, including Zinedine Zidane (2006), Messi (2014, 2022), and Luka Modric (2018). This is because voting concludes before the final match begins.

The round-of-32 award was given to Cape Verde’s Sidny Lopes Cabral, who scored a late goal against Argentina, although the world champions eventually secured victory.

Voting for the awards will close on Saturday, June 18, at 8am Eastern Time (12:00 GMT), before the final match takes place.

Additional tournament highlights include a controversial red card for Switzerland’s Embolo and the firing of Senegal’s coach Pape Thiaw following a disappointing World Cup performance. Former Spain Prime Minister faced criticism for a xenophobic remark regarding the French World Cup team.

Sources