Washington D.C. – In a move that has sparked both celebration and controversy, former U.S. President Donald Trump was awarded the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize at the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony held at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on Friday. FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the award, citing Trump's "exceptional and extraordinary actions to promote peace and unity around the world".
The newly created FIFA Peace Prize, officially named "FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World", is an annual award recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to global peace through their actions. FIFA announced the creation of the prize last month, stating it would "recognize exceptional actions for peace". The selection process and specific criteria for the award remain somewhat vague, with FIFA stating that the winner is chosen based on their unwavering commitment to uniting people in peace.
Infantino, a long-time ally of Trump, praised the former president's efforts, stating that the world is a safer place because of him. He further added at the ceremony, "We want to see hope, we want to see unity, we want to see a future. This is what we want to see from a leader and you definitely deserve the first FIFA Peace Prize. You can always count on my support to help you make peace around the world".
Trump, who has openly campaigned for the Nobel Peace Prize in the past, accepted the award with enthusiasm. "It's a great honor to receive this prestigious award from FIFA," Trump said. "I have always believed in the power of sports to bring people together, and I am committed to continuing my work to promote peace and understanding throughout the world."
The decision to award Trump the inaugural prize has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters have lauded the decision, pointing to his diplomatic efforts in the Middle East and his role in de-escalating tensions in other regions. Critics, however, argue that Trump's presidency was marked by division and conflict, both domestically and internationally, making him an unsuitable recipient for an award promoting peace.
Notably, the announcement of the prize and its first recipient comes amidst growing scrutiny of FIFA's leadership and ethical standards. The selection of Trump has raised questions about the motivations behind the award and whether it is being used to further political agendas.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to be the largest and most inclusive World Cup in history. FIFA hopes that the tournament will serve as a platform for promoting peace, unity, and understanding among nations. The selection of Washington D.C. as the venue for the draw, and the prominent role given to Trump, underscores the importance FIFA is placing on the United States' involvement in the tournament. FIFA recently added another link to Trump by appointing his daughter Ivanka to the board of a $100 million education project part-funded by 2026 World Cup ticket sales.
