Trump receives first ever Fifa peace prize during World Cup draw in Washington

Donald Trump was named the initial recipient of the newly established Fifa peace prize during the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington DC, where he declared that global security had improved.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino presented the award at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, describing Trumps selection as recognition of efforts to encourage unity and peace worldwide. He handed Trump a trophy, a medal and a certificate, noting that the honour was intended for those whose actions contribute to bringing people together.

Fifa stated that the award acknowledges individuals devoted to fostering peace, though the organisation has not yet clarified how recipients are chosen. Reports indicate that a new committee on social responsibility, chaired by Zaw Zaw of Myanmar, is expected to shape the decision-making process for future awards.

Addressing the audience of officials, diplomats and invited guests, Trump called the moment one of the most significant of his life. He claimed credit for preventing further violence in regions including the Congo, India and Pakistan, asserting that numerous wars were halted under his influence.

Trump praised Infantinos leadership in driving record ticket sales and predicted that the 2026 World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, will surpass any previous global sporting event. He concluded his remarks by stating that global safety had strengthened and that the United States stands in a leading position internationally.

Trump has repeatedly asserted that he helped end various conflicts, despite criticism of many of these claims and of several military actions carried out during his administration. He has also promoted himself as a mediator in Gaza and Ukraine, although analysts have disputed the effectiveness and neutrality of those efforts.

Some of the conflicts Trump insists he ended continue at varying intensity, including in Gaza, while his statements regarding the resolution of hostilities between Israel and Iran, Serbia and Kosovo or Egypt and Ethiopia are widely regarded as unsubstantiated.

The presentation of this inaugural honour has brought renewed attention to Fifas close relationship with Trump. The former president has frequently used major sporting stages to elevate his standing and has openly sought recognition such as the Nobel peace prize. After this years Nobel award went to Venezuelan opposition leader Mara Corina Machado, senior members of Trumps party criticised the outcome and pledged to pursue a nomination for him in the future.

Infantinos connection with Trump has grown more visible in the lead-up to the expanded 2026 tournament. The two appeared at a summit in Egypt following a Gaza ceasefire, with Infantino promoting football as a means of supporting global happiness and conveying messages of peace, even if the sport cannot resolve conflict directly.

Fifa has continued strengthening ties with figures close to Trump. Earlier this year, Ivanka Trump was appointed to the board of a 100 million dollar education programme partly funded by revenues from World Cup ticket sales. The upcoming World Cup, set to begin on 11 June with 104 games across 16 host cities, is being promoted as an event that aims to bring nations together.

Author: Ava Mitchell