Washington D.C. - In a surprising move that has already ignited considerable debate, former U.S. President Donald Trump was awarded the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize at the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.. FIFA, the global governing body for soccer, introduced the "FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World" to recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional actions in promoting peace and unity across the globe. The award was presented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Friday, December 5, 2025.
FIFA stated that the prize would be bestowed annually to individuals who, through their commitment and actions, have united people worldwide in the spirit of peace. While FIFA offered few details on the selection process, the decision to honor Trump has raised eyebrows, given his controversial political history.
In a pre-recorded video, FIFA highlighted Trump's efforts to achieve peace around the world. Upon accepting the award, Trump stated that "the world is a safer place now".
The selection of Trump has sparked mixed reactions. Some view it as a departure from FIFA's traditional focus on sports, while others see it as a recognition of Trump's contribution to global diplomacy. The announcement of the prize itself was made after Trump did not win the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.
The World Cup draw event also featured appearances by sports icons such as Wayne Gretzky, Tom Brady, Aaron Judge, and Shaquille O’Neal, who served as draw assistants.
Adding another layer of controversy, reports have surfaced questioning the appointment of the chair of the Peace Prize committee. The individual, a Myanmar tycoon, has been accused by the UN of contributing to ethnic cleansing. This has led to further criticism of FIFA's decision-making process and the overall credibility of the award.
Gianni Infantino defended the choice, stating, "In an increasingly unsettled and divided world, it's fundamental to recognize the outstanding contribution of those who work hard to end conflicts and bring people together in a spirit of peace,”. He added, "Football stands for peace, and on behalf of the entire global football community, the FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World will recognize the enormous efforts of those individuals who unite people, bringing hope for future generations".
The FIFA Peace Prize is intended to recognize exceptional actions for peace and to unite people across the world. The selection of Donald Trump as the inaugural recipient has, however, ensured that the award's launch will be remembered for its controversial nature.
