Donald Trump Receives Inaugural FIFA Peace Prize at 2026 World Cup Draw

Departure from Sport: FIFA President Gianni Infantino Honors U.S. President for “Exceptional Actions to Promote Peace”

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Washington DC, the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, held at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on Friday, December 5, 2025, delivered a major surprise that instantly grabbed global headlines: President Donald Trump was awarded the newly created FIFA Peace Prize.

The presentation, led by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, a notable ally of the U.S. President, marked a significant departure from the soccer federation’s traditional focus purely on sport, lending a distinct political and “Trumpian flair” to the tournament’s official kickoff spectacle.

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The Inaugural Honor and its Political Context

President Trump, who has openly sought the Nobel Peace Prize, was widely rumored to be the recipient of FIFA’s new award, which FIFA says is intended for “individuals who help unite people in peace through unwavering commitment and special actions.”

In presenting the honor, Infantino praised Trump for his actions to “promote peace and unity around the world,” specifically citing his efforts, including those related to brokering a ceasefire in Gaza.

“You definitely deserve the first FIFA Peace Prize for your action, for what you have obtained in your way,” Infantino stated, handing Trump a gold trophy depicting hands holding up the world and a medal that Trump promptly placed around his neck.

The President expressed his gratitude in brief remarks, calling it “truly one of the great honors of my life,” and asserted that “the world is a safer place now.” He also praised the coordination with the co-host nations, recognizing Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Controversy and the Lack of Transparency

The award immediately ignited discussion across the media and social platforms, largely due to its political nature and the opaque selection process.

• Timing: The creation and announcement of the FIFA Peace Prize came shortly after the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.

• The Process: FIFA has provided no details about the process for choosing a winner, catching even some senior FIFA officials off guard when the award was initially announced in media reports.

• Close Ties: The decision intensified scrutiny on the close relationship between Infantino and Trump, a bond highlighted by Infantino’s frequent visits to the White House and the establishment of a FIFA office in Trump Tower.

The presentation of the peace prize to President Trump during the high-profile World Cup draw cemented the close alignment between the political and sporting worlds in the lead-up to the 2026 tournament.

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