Saturday, March 29, 2025
Published: December 06, 2025 | 12:23 AM IST
Former US President Donald Trump has been awarded the newly introduced FIFA Peace Award during the official draw ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, held in Washington, DC. The award was presented at the start of the event, which marked a key milestone ahead of the mega football tournament to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year.
FIFA announced that the Peace Award is meant to recognise individuals who have made what it calls an “extraordinary contribution to peace and unity” and have helped bring people together across borders. Trump became the first high-profile political leader to receive this newly created honour.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who maintains close ties with Trump, personally handed over the award. While presenting the honour, Infantino said, “This is your award. This is your peace award,” underlining his belief that Trump deserved international recognition for what he described as peace-related efforts.
Infantino has earlier stated publicly that Trump should have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, particularly citing his role in efforts related to ceasefire initiatives in Gaza. Since FIFA announced the Peace Award, speculation had been growing that Trump would be its first recipient.
Infantino reiterated his long-held view that football can unite the world, though the award itself marks a notable shift away from FIFA’s traditionally sport-focused agenda.
Speaking to reporters after arriving at the Kennedy Center ahead of the ceremony, Trump claimed he was unaware that he would be receiving the award. “I don’t need any awards. I just want to save lives,” he said, striking a statesman-like tone.
Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in the past and has openly said he believes he deserved it. His receipt of the FIFA Peace Award comes amid ongoing debate over the intersection of global sports bodies and international politics.
The award has also drawn attention due to its timing. Trump’s administration is currently under scrutiny over allegations related to deadly strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean. At the same time, Trump has intensified his rhetoric against immigrants, further fuelling criticism from human rights groups and political opponents.
Despite these controversies, FIFA described the Peace Award as an honour for individuals who have worked toward peace and global unity, stating that such efforts align with football’s power to connect people across cultures.
Earlier this year, Trump campaigned aggressively for the Nobel Peace Prize, but the award ultimately went to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Upon receiving the Nobel, Machado dedicated it to Trump, crediting his “decisive support for our cause,” which added another layer to the global debate surrounding Trump’s role in international diplomacy.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest in tournament history, featuring an expanded format and hosted across three North American nations. As preparations move forward, FIFA’s decision to introduce and award a Peace Prize at the draw ceremony has ensured that political and diplomatic discussions remain closely tied to the world’s biggest sporting event.
Whether the FIFA Peace Award will become a regular honour or remain a one-off gesture is yet to be seen, but Trump’s selection as its recipient has already made it one of the most talked-about moments in World Cup build-up history.
