Donald Trump Awarded First FIFA Peace Prize at 2026 World Cup Draw Ceremony

In a surprising and controversial move, Donald Trump was awarded the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize during the official draw ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, held on 5 December 2025 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The award, presented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, was meant to recognise Trump’s “extraordinary actions to promote peace and unity around the world.” Trump, who has long sought global recognition, called the honour “one of the greatest of my life.”

What Is the FIFA Peace Prize?

The newly launched FIFA Peace Prize aims to acknowledge individuals who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to uniting people through peace-promoting actions. While details on the selection process remain unclear, it is reportedly overseen by FIFA’s newly formed “social responsibility” committee, chaired by controversial figures, sparking further scrutiny.

The award includes a trophy, medal, and certificate, intended to celebrate contributions that use sport and diplomacy to bring people together.

Why Trump Was Chosen

FIFA cited Trump’s role in “preventing or ending global conflicts” as justification for the honour. In his acceptance speech, Trump claimed credit for de-escalating several major international disputes, including,

• India–Pakistan tensions
• Conflicts in Congo, Gaza, Israel–Iran
• Armenia–Azerbaijan
• Thailand–Cambodia border disputes

He stated, “The world is a safer place now… we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world.”

However, many of these claims are disputed. Critics argue that while the U.S. may have had diplomatic involvement, Trump’s personal role in securing peace was limited or exaggerated. Some of the cited conflicts are still ongoing or saw minimal American mediation, while others were exaggerated in scope or falsely resolved.

The Controversy

Trump’s receipt of a peace prize has generated considerable backlash due to,

• His record of military interventions, such as airstrikes in the Middle East and the Caribbean
• Highly partisan diplomacy, often favouring one side in global conflicts
• His domestic record, which critics argue undermines his image as a unifier

The announcement has drawn attention to FIFA’s growing ties to Trump’s political network, including the appointment of Ivanka Trump to the board of a $100 million education initiative linked to World Cup ticket sales.

FIFA’s Alignment with Trump

FIFA’s relationship with Trump has grown closer ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Infantino has repeatedly praised Trump and argued that football can be a “force for peace and unity.” Their joint appearances — including one at a summit in Egypt — have raised questions about the politicisation of sport and whether FIFA is using peace narratives to align with political figures for strategic gains.

Mixed Global Reaction

While Trump’s supporters celebrated the recognition, the award has sparked,

• Criticism from peace activists and diplomats
• Satirical media coverage, questioning the legitimacy of the claims
• Renewed debate over Trump’s push for the Nobel Peace Prize, which he has long lobbied for

Static Facts

• Award: FIFA Peace Prize (inaugural edition)
• Date: 5 December 2025
• Recipient: Donald Trump
• Presented by: Gianni Infantino, FIFA President
• Occasion: 2026 FIFA World Cup draw
• Venue: Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C.
• 2026 World Cup: To feature 104 matches across 16 cities, starting 11 June 2026
• FIFA’s initiative: Peace prize part of a “social responsibility” programme