In a significant ceremony held in Washington D.C., former United States President Donald Trump was presented with the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize. The award was given during the draw event for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which took place on Friday at the Kennedy Center.
A Historic Honour at the World Cup Draw
Gianni Infantino, the President of world football's governing body, personally handed the golden trophy and a certificate to the 79-year-old former leader. Infantino, a known ally of Trump, stated that the award was in recognition of "exceptional and extraordinary" actions taken to promote peace and unity across the globe.
During the presentation, Infantino highlighted a special medal that was part of the prize. "There is also a beautiful medal for you that you can wear everywhere you want to go," he told Trump. The former president immediately placed it around his neck, declaring, "I'm going to wear it right now." In his acceptance speech, Trump expressed deep gratitude, calling it "one of the great honors of my life."
Background of the FIFA Peace Prize and Trump's Ambitions
FIFA had announced the creation of this annual award in November, with the stated goal of recognising individuals who bring "hope for future generations." The choice of Trump as its inaugural recipient, however, did not come as a surprise to many observers, given his close relationship with Infantino.
The 55-year-old FIFA chief has fostered a strong bond with Trump, visiting the White House more frequently than any other world leader since Trump's return to power in January of this year. This relationship has been visible on the global stage, with Infantino traveling to locations like Egypt and Malaysia to attend ceremonies for peace deals brokered by the Trump administration in recent months.
Trump has often voiced his belief that he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize, crediting himself with ending what he claims are eight conflicts this year. These include facilitating a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, where he has positioned himself at the head of a "board of peace" for the war-torn region. However, his aspirations were overlooked last month when the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the 2024 Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.
Global Reactions and the Road Ahead
The presentation of the FIFA Peace Prize serves as a notable international endorsement of Trump's diplomatic efforts. In his remarks, Trump claimed that his discussions and actions with Infantino had "saved millions and millions of lives," adding that "the world is a safer place now."
This award coincides with other recognitions from his administration, including the renaming of a Washington peace institute in his honour earlier this week. The event at the Kennedy Center solidifies Trump's ongoing influence in global diplomacy, even as traditional institutions like the Nobel Committee have chosen a different path for their accolades.
The 2026 World Cup draw, set against this political backdrop, marks a pivotal moment in sports diplomacy, intertwining the worlds of international football and high-stakes politics.
