In a remarkable moment blending politics and sports, President Donald Trump has been awarded the newly created FIFA Peace Prize during the 2026 World Cup draw. The ceremony, which took place as the official matchups for the quadrennial tournament were revealed, brought a distinctly Trumpian flair to one of soccer’s most high-profile global events.
The announcement of Trump as the inaugural recipient was met with both applause and controversy, reflecting the polarizing nature of the U.S. President on the international stage. Nevertheless, FIFA made clear that this prize was designed to honor individuals who have made exceptional contributions to promoting peace and unity worldwide.
Trump, who has publicly campaigned for the Nobel Peace Prize in recent years, had long been considered a front-runner for the newly established FIFA accolade. His efforts to broker ceasefires and his high-profile diplomacy in international conflicts were cited by supporters as evidence of his suitability for the award.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, a known ally of Trump, presented the certificate to the U.S. President in a ceremony that was both ceremonious and symbolic. The award recognized Trump’s actions to “promote peace and unity around the world.” Infantino praised Trump’s leadership qualities during the presentation, stating, “This is what we want from a leader — a leader that cares about the people.”
The ceremony saw Trump wearing a gold medal around his neck, and he was presented with an impressive gold trophy engraved with his name. The trophy depicted hands lifting the globe, symbolizing international cooperation and harmony. Infantino personally addressed Trump, saying, “This is your prize, this is your peace prize,” highlighting the personal nature of the award and FIFA’s recognition of the President’s global initiatives.
In his brief acceptance speech, Trump expressed gratitude to his family, specifically acknowledging his wife, First Lady Melania Trump. He also praised the leaders of the other two host nations for the World Cup, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Reflecting on the honor, Trump remarked, “This is truly one of the great honours of my life,” underscoring the significance he placed on the award.
FIFA has long positioned soccer as a unifying force capable of transcending political and cultural divides. Infantino frequently speaks about the power of the sport to bring people together, and the creation of the FIFA Peace Prize was framed as a natural extension of that vision. According to FIFA, the prize rewards “individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace and by doing so have united people across the world.”
While the ceremony was celebratory, it came amidst a turbulent period for Trump’s administration. The President has faced scrutiny over lethal strikes against alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and has increasingly hardened his rhetoric on immigration. Critics argue that awarding a peace prize under such circumstances raises questions about the message FIFA intends to convey with this recognition.
Despite the controversy, the awarding of the FIFA Peace Prize to Trump marks a significant departure from the organization’s traditional focus solely on sport. It represents a blending of politics, diplomacy, and football on a stage seen by millions of viewers worldwide. The award highlights FIFA’s willingness to recognize contributions to global peace, even when the recipient is a highly polarizing figure.
Adding to the international dimension of the event, this year’s Nobel Peace Prize went to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. In her acceptance remarks, she dedicated the award in part to Trump for “his decisive support of our cause,” further linking Trump’s political efforts to broader international peace initiatives. This alignment has fueled discussion about the role of world leaders in global sports diplomacy, and the extent to which sporting organizations can or should engage with political figures.
The 2026 World Cup draw itself was notable for bringing together leaders, athletes, and officials from across the globe in an event designed to celebrate sport while underscoring its potential for promoting unity. Trump’s presence, along with his recognition for peace efforts, created a spectacle that was both political and ceremonial. The gold medal and trophy, symbols of FIFA’s new award, are expected to become iconic representations of the intersection between soccer and diplomacy.
Observers note that this award could set a precedent for future recipients, as FIFA seeks to expand its influence beyond the pitch and into global humanitarian and diplomatic initiatives. Infantino’s comments suggest a vision of leadership that emphasizes not just athletic excellence but also efforts to foster international understanding and cooperation. “This is what we want from a leader — a leader that cares about the people,” Infantino said, reinforcing the core message of the new prize.
As the World Cup itself prepares to kick off, the awarding of the FIFA Peace Prize adds an unexpected layer of political drama to the event. Fans, media, and international observers are debating the implications of honoring a sitting U.S. President with a peace prize at a sporting ceremony. Regardless of opinions, the award has undeniably placed FIFA at the center of global discussions about leadership, peace, and the unifying power of soccer.
The FIFA Peace Prize is expected to be awarded every four years, aligning with the World Cup schedule, and it aims to recognize those whose efforts extend beyond sport to create tangible impacts on global harmony. With Donald Trump as the first recipient, the prize has already sparked debate, curiosity, and attention, marking a bold step in FIFA’s evolving role on the world stage.
