Trump receives inaugural FIFA Peace Prize from Gianni Infantino during 2026 World Cup draw

On Friday, former President Donald Trump was honored as the first-ever recipient of the FIFA Peace Prize, a new distinction established by the international football governing organization. Speaking at the ceremony held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Trump described the recognition as one of the greatest honors of his life.

FIFA introduced the award in early November to celebrate individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace. Trump quickly emerged as a leading candidate due to his close rapport with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his outspoken belief that he merits the Nobel Peace Prize.

During the ceremony, Infantino praised Trump, stating, We want to see hope, we want to see unity, we want to see a future. This is what we expect from a leader, and you unquestionably deserve the first FIFA Peace Prize.

Prior to receiving the award, Trump highlighted his diplomatic achievements, asserting that he had settled eight wars, referencing a series of agreements brokered by the United States during his presidency. Observers debate the extent of his involvement and whether these situations can accurately be termed wars.

Trump also took part in the draw for the 2026 World Cup, which will see the U.S. co-hosting alongside Canada and Mexico. FIFA had awarded the hosting rights in 2018 during Trumps first term. Since returning to the White House, he has emphasized preparations for the tournament, including prioritizing visas for international visitors and threatening to relocate matches from cities he considers unsafe.

Trump has repeatedly suggested that he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize, an honor traditionally awarded to figures who have made significant contributions to global peace. To date, four American presidents have received the Nobel Peace Prize, with Barack Obama being the most recent in 2009. The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan politician and activist Mara Corina Machado, a decision criticized by the White House communications team as politically motivated. FIFAs new Peace Prize was announced shortly after this controversy.

Author: Connor Blake