Trump Receives First-Ever FIFA Peace Prize Amid World Cup Buzz
So, let me walk you through what just unfolded at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC — an event that was supposed to be all about the 2026 World Cup draw, but ended up taking on a much more political tone. The spotlight wasn’t just on football tonight. It was also on a brand-new award: the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize. And yes, it was awarded to none other than the President of the United States, Donald Trump.
The prize, introduced this year by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, is meant to honour someone who has taken “exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace” and united people across the world. And although many expected it, the moment it actually happened still drew a wave of surprise and reactions across the room. Trump arrived with Infantino, and their close public appearances over the last few months had already fueled speculation. Ultimately, the announcement was confirmed right before the World Cup draw officially kicked off.
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Trump was presented with a large golden trophy, a medal, and a certificate. He stepped up to the microphone right after, saying this was “one of the great honours” of his life. In classic Trump fashion, he went on to claim that “tens of millions of lives” had been saved through diplomatic interventions and that he had stopped wars “just before they started.” He also praised Infantino’s work, squeezing in a brag about 2026 World Cup ticket sales already breaking records — something he repeated multiple times throughout the evening.
What followed was a moment that symbolised the politics woven into the ceremony: Trump returned to the stage with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney — the leaders of the World Cup’s three co-host nations — to draw their teams' balls. The trio even posed for a selfie taken by Infantino, as if to cement the optics of unity.
On the football side, Mexico landed in Group A and will play in the opening match, Canada were placed in Group B, and the USA slotted into Group D. Trump couldn’t resist cracking a joke about America calling the sport “soccer” while insisting that “this is really football,” adding that maybe the NFL should find a new name.
But the whole ceremony carried a political flavour that was impossible to ignore. Critics have argued that FIFA’s neutrality felt compromised — especially with Infantino openly praising Trump’s role in global diplomacy and even comparing the new prize to something “bigger than the Nobel Peace Prize.” Some worry this tight alliance may blur the lines between world football and political endorsement.
Still, the night rolled on with music, celebrity appearances, and the long-awaited draw. But make no mistake — the moment that will be talked about for days is the introduction of the FIFA Peace Prize, and the decision to hand its very first edition to Donald Trump.
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