FIFA Awards Inaugural 'Peace Prize' to Donald Trump at 2026 World Cup Draw

Inaugural FIFA Peace Prize Presented in Washington D.C.

In a significant event held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. on Friday, December 5, 2025, FIFA awarded its inaugural 'FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World' to former United States President Donald Trump. The presentation took place during the highly anticipated draw ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

A New Recognition for Global Unity

FIFA announced the creation of the 'FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World' last month, establishing it as an annual award to honor individuals who have demonstrated 'exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace' and have successfully united people across the globe through their efforts. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who presented the award, lauded Mr. Trump for his 'extraordinary' contributions to global harmony and his actions to 'promote peace and unity around the world.' Infantino stated that the prize is meant to recognize 'the enormous efforts of those individuals who unite people, bringing hope for future generations.'

Trump Accepts Award Amidst World Cup Festivities

During the ceremony, Mr. Trump received a distinctive gold trophy depicting hands holding the world, a gold medal, and a certificate. Upon accepting the honor, Mr. Trump remarked that it was 'truly one of the great honours of my life.' He also thanked his family, including First Lady Melania Trump, and acknowledged the leaders of the other host nations, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, for their 'outstanding' coordination.

Controversy and Context

The decision to award the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize to Donald Trump has generated considerable discussion and controversy. Critics have noted that this award represents a significant departure from FIFA's traditional focus on sports and its historical mandate of political neutrality. Human Rights Watch, for instance, criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the award's selection process, highlighting that there was 'no transparent procedure, no nominees and no jury.' The close relationship between President Infantino and Mr. Trump has also been a point of focus, with Infantino having previously expressed his belief that Trump deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for his diplomatic efforts. The 2026 World Cup draw itself determined the groups for the expanded 48-team tournament, marking a major milestone for the event.