In a historic move, FIFA has bestowed a new peace accolade upon President Donald Trump during the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony held in Washington, DC.
This marks the inaugural issuance of such an honor by the organization, underscoring a significant moment in the intersection of sports and global diplomacy.
The award, titled the FIFA Peace Prize: Football Unites the World, was presented by FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the Kennedy Center. Infantino expressed his unwavering support for Trump, stating, You can always count, Mr President, on my support and the entire football community to help you make peace all over the world.
According to The Post Millennial, this announcement followed shortly after Trump was overlooked for the Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded to Venezuelan democracy advocate Maria Corina Machado. Infantino had previously advocated for Trumps Nobel candidacy on Instagram, citing the Israel-Gaza ceasefire agreement as a testament to his peace-making efforts.
Despite the fanfare, FIFA has remained tight-lipped regarding the specifics of the prize's creation, the selection process, or the criteria employed. Insiders have revealed that the matter was not presented to the FIFA Council, which traditionally oversees significant organizational decisions. Infantino emphasized that the prize aims to honor individuals who unite people and bring hope for future generations.
The relationship between Infantino and Trump has visibly strengthened as the 2026 World Cup approaches, with Trump lauding Infantino as a great leader in sports and a great gentleman. However, the award has not been without controversy. Human Rights Watch has formally requested FIFA to clarify the criteria and decision-making process for the award, as reported by the Independent.
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