FIFA to introduce its own peace prize. Can Trump be a winner?

Could President Donald Trump become the inaugural recipient of an international peace accolade? FIFA, the global authority on soccer, will present its first-ever Peace Prize on December 5 at Washington, D.C.'s Kennedy Center. The announcement will coincide with the televised unveiling of national groupings for the opening stage of the 2026 World Cup, set to take place across cities in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada next summer.

FIFA, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, governs all national and regional soccer associations, including the U.S. Soccer Federation, which oversees the American men's and women's national teams.

FIFA Unveils Peace Prize

FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed the new award on November 5 during the America Business Forum in Miami. He explained that the inspiration stems from soccers ability to bring the world together.

In a world that feels increasingly divided, FIFA wants to create moments that unite people. Understanding grows when dialogue occurs, Infantino stated.

He emphasized that while soccer fosters community, recognizing leaders who advance peace is equally vital. We want to honor individuals who make significant contributions to peace. Soccer helps, but we also need leaders to drive it home, Infantino added.

Trumps Peace Claims and FIFA Connection

Trump has stated he helped resolve roughly ten international conflicts since taking office. Among these efforts is a peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, scheduled for signing on December 4 at the recently named Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace. He has also sought to mediate hostilities in Israel-Gaza and ongoing negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

Infantinos publicly warm relationship with Trump has fueled speculation about the president being the prizes first recipient. Speaking in Miami, Infantino praised Trump for his role in securing the U.S. as a 2026 World Cup host and described him as a leader who acts decisively and follows through on promises.

However, some within FIFA criticized Infantino for appearing to endorse a political figure, arguing that officials should remain neutral and avoid supporting national leaders or policies.

Advocacy Groups Question Award

FIFA is also facing scrutiny from human, civil, and labor rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, AFL-CIO, and the NAACP. Critics argue the award contrasts with ongoing human rights concerns in the U.S., including immigration detentions and controversies surrounding anti-discrimination campaigns.

Minky Worden of Human Rights Watch commented, FIFAs Peace Prize is being awarded amid serious human rights issues. There is still time to ensure the World Cup aligns with the organizations values, but the clock is running out.

Trumps Sports Engagement

Trump has long been associated with sports, particularly golf, owning multiple clubs domestically and abroad. He has also attended high-profile events such as the Super Bowl, NASCAR races, and UFC matches, which analysts say help broaden his political appeal.

Junelle Cavero Harnal, a political marketing expert, noted that Trumps presence at sporting events has historically helped him connect with diverse voter groups. However, recent policy controversies have caused some of these voters to reconsider their support.

Despite political shifts, the strategy of engaging with the public through popular events remains influential. Cavero Harnal suggested that broader participation in community and sporting events could boost public interest in politics.

Author: Logan Reeves