In a move that has sparked global conversation, FIFA on Friday awarded former President Donald Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize during the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony — an event already rich with anticipation but now infused with a new layer of political and public intrigue.
The prize, created to recognize “individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace and by doing so have united people across the world,” reflects a bold, controversial step by the world’s governing body of football. Traditionally, FIFA has kept its focus rooted firmly in sport, community, and cultural unity. This award marks a clear deviation from that heritage.
Trump, long vocal about his desire to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, was widely expected to win the newly introduced FIFA honor. His close alliance with FIFA president Gianni Infantino significantly amplified those expectations. Infantino has repeatedly praised Trump’s efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza, even stating openly that Trump deserved recognition on a global scale.
“This is your prize, this is your peace prize,” Infantino declared during the ceremony, reinforcing his belief in Trump’s impact beyond politics and into international peace efforts.
Upon arriving at the Kennedy Centre, Trump told reporters he was unsure whether he would receive the award. “I don’t need prizes. I just want to save lives,” he said, positioning the award as secondary to his self-described humanitarian goals.
The timing of the prize, however, comes during a week when Trump’s administration is facing intense scrutiny over lethal strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean. Additionally, his rhetoric surrounding immigration has sharpened considerably, drawing criticism from human rights organizations and global observers.
While the Nobel Peace Prize this year went to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, she acknowledged Trump in her acceptance remarks, dedicating a portion of her recognition to him for “his decisive support of our cause.”
This moment signals more than just an award — it underlines the increasingly complex intersection of sports, politics, global leadership, and public perception. As FIFA steps into unprecedented territory, the world watches closely to see what impact, if any, this crossover will have on the future of both global football and international diplomacy.
