resident Trump Wins Inaugural ‘FIFA Peace Prize’ at 2026 World Cup Draw
WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump has been named the first-ever recipient of the ‘FIFA Peace Prize,’ a newly created honor from the global football governing body, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
The award was presented to President Trump by FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Friday (local time, early Saturday morning in Sri Lanka) during the highly publicized Final Draw ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., an event co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
🌟 Recognizing ‘Exceptional and Extraordinary Actions for Peace’
The FIFA Peace Prize, introduced by President Infantino earlier this year, is designed to recognize an individual who has taken “exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace” and has “united people across the world.” President Trump’s selection as the inaugural winner marks a significant departure from FIFA’s traditional focus purely on sport.
In his remarks, Infantino praised the President, stating, “This is your prize, this is your peace prize. You definitely deserve the first FIFA Peace Prize for your action, for what you have obtained in your way.” Trump was presented with a certificate, a gold medal, and a gold trophy featuring hands holding up the world.
Upon receiving the honor, President Trump called it “truly one of the great honors of my life,” and emphasized his administration’s diplomatic efforts.
“Beyond awards, we saved millions and millions of lives… The world is a safer place now,” Trump stated, citing his administration’s role in brokering a ceasefire in Gaza, mediating tensions between India and Pakistan, and helping to secure peace agreements between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
⚽ A Focus on Unity Through Football
The decision to award the prize to President Trump, who had openly sought the Nobel Peace Prize, drew immediate global attention and scrutiny. However, FIFA leadership maintains that the award aligns with the organization’s motto, “Football Unites the World.”
The presentation was a key moment of the elaborate draw ceremony, which also featured the leaders of the other two host nations, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. The event set the stage for the expanded 48-nation tournament, which is scheduled to kick off in June 2026.
This newly established prize and its inaugural winner signal a stronger alignment between the global football federation and political leaders, with President Infantino repeatedly stressing that football has the unique ability to carry a “message of peace” and bring people together.
