In a dramatic moment that blurred the lines between global sport and global politics, former US President Donald Trump was honored with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize during the 2026 World Cup draw — a ceremony typically reserved for showcasing matchups, not world leaders.
Trump, long vocal about his desire to be recognized for international peacemaking, had been widely expected to receive the new award. His close relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino only strengthened those expectations. Infantino has openly praised Trump’s diplomatic efforts, even suggesting Trump deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for his attempts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza.
Presenting the award, Infantino declared, “This is your prize, this is your peace prize,” reinforcing his belief that football can unite the world — even as critics note the award marks a significant shift away from FIFA’s deep-rooted sporting traditions.
Arriving at the Kennedy Centre, Trump told reporters he was unsure whether he would actually receive the recognition. “I don’t need prizes. I just want to save lives,” he said, framing the honor as secondary to his broader mission.
According to FIFA, the Peace Prize recognizes “individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace and by doing so have united people across the world.” The announcement, however, comes at a time when Trump’s administration faces scrutiny for deadly strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and his increasingly sharp rhetoric on immigration.
Meanwhile, the Nobel Peace Prize went this year to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who dedicated part of her win to Trump, acknowledging what she described as his “decisive support of our cause.”
