Cristiano Ronaldo earns second World Cup MVP as Portugal reaches knockout stage

Portugal defeated Croatia to secure a place in the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and captain Cristiano Ronaldo was named the match’s Most Valuable Player. Ronaldo scored a penalty and helped guide his side through a tense finish, marking his second MVP award of the tournament after an earlier performance against Uzbekistan.

The player‑of‑the‑match award is sponsored by Michelob Ultra, a beer brand owned by the brewing company. Critics have raised questions about the selection process, suggesting the sponsor may favour high‑profile stars and noting that the award has repeatedly gone to big names such as Ronaldo, Messi and Haaland. Croatia’s officials complained after the decision, adding to a broader debate about the influence of commercial partners on FIFA’s technical committee’s choices.