At the 2026 World Cup draw held Friday, December 5, in Washington, D.C., US President Donald J. Trump was honoured with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World. The new award, created by FIFA to recognise “exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace” that foster global unity through football, was presented during the high-profile final draw event.
What is the FIFA Peace Prize?
FIFA announced the creation of the Peace Prize in November 2025. According to the governing body, the award is meant to annually honour individuals whose “unwavering commitment and special actions” have contributed significantly to global peace and unity. It is to be presented “on behalf of all football-loving people” worldwide.
At the 2026 World Cup draw — held at the prestigious John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts — the first-ever recipient was declared.
Why Trump Got the Award (According to FIFA)
FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the Peace Prize to Trump, lauding his efforts to promote peace and unity across the globe. In his remarks, Infantino emphasised football’s role in bridging divisions and expressed that the award symbolises respect from the global football community.
Trump — who had long sought recognition in the form of a major international peace award — accepted the honour, placing the medal around his neck and calling it “one of the great honours of my life.” A certificate and a gold trophy, featuring a globe held by hands symbolizing unity, were also presented.
The Ceremony at the World Cup Draw
The draw for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, was held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. — making for a prominent global stage. During this event, amid the allocation of groups for the expanded 48-team World Cup, the Peace Prize ceremony took place, turning the sporting event into a high-profile moment blending sport, diplomacy, and global messaging.
The award to Trump came as a surprise to many, even as he had been regarded as the leading contender. Though the selection process has not been fully disclosed by FIFA, the decision marked the formal establishment of the Peace Prize as an annual honour.
Reactions and Context
The creation of the FIFA Peace Prize has drawn attention for expanding the remit of a sports governing body into the realm of diplomacy and global peace. While FIFA described the initiative as aligning with its motto “Football Unites the World,” some observers have noted the blurred lines between sport, politics and global diplomacy — particularly when the honour is awarded to a sitting head of state with a controversial political record.
Supporters highlight that awarding the Peace Prize within such a globally watched event like the World Cup draw elevates awareness of peace and unity — leveraging football’s universal appeal to send a message of cooperation. Critics, however, argue that without transparent selection criteria and independent oversight, such honours risk being perceived as politically motivated gestures rather than genuine commendations.
What the Future Looks Like
With the first award now conferred, the FIFA Peace Prize is set to become an annual fixture. Going forward, how FIFA defines “exceptional actions for peace,” and how transparent and impartial the selection process remains, will be closely watched. The world of sport — and politics — may never view such awards the same way again.
