United States President Donald Trump was awarded the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize before the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, a new accolade introduced by FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The award recognises individuals who have “taken exceptional actions for peace” and fostered global unity, according to FIFA’s announcement.
The presentation took place at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, in a ceremony that also included musical performances, celebrity appearances, and the ceremonial draw for the 2026 World Cup groups.
Trump honoured for “exceptional actions”
Trump, who has appeared publicly with Infantino several times in recent months, received a large golden trophy, a medal, and a certificate. In his acceptance speech, he emphasised his efforts in global diplomacy, claiming to have “saved tens of millions of lives” and prevented conflicts from escalating.
“This is truly one of the great honours of my life,” Trump said. “Gianni has done an incredible job. It is a nice tribute to you and the game of football… The world is a safer place now. The USA was not doing well a year ago; now we are the hottest country in the world right now.”
Trump also highlighted the World Cup’s record-breaking ticket sales, joking about the difference between American football and soccer.
Ceremony highlights and political undertones
The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026. During the draw, Trump joined Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney to select their respective nations’ group allocations, before posing for a selfie with Infantino.
- Mexico were placed in Group A and will play in the tournament’s opening match.
- Canada were drawn into Group B, while the USA will feature in Group D.
The ceremony’s production also reflected Trump’s personal tastes, including a performance of the Village People’s YMCA, a song often associated with the former president’s rallies. Critics argue that the timing and prominence of the award highlighted a strong connection between FIFA leadership and Trump, raising questions about FIFA’s political neutrality.
Criticism and context
The awarding of the FIFA Peace Prize has prompted debate within the football community. Critics suggest the prize could politicise the World Cup, linking FIFA to Trump’s administration and the broader Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.
One senior FIFA official defended the prize, stating that recognising extraordinary contributions to peace globally is appropriate given football’s worldwide reach. They also referenced a similar, non-controversial award given to the President of Argentina in 2019, emphasizing that FIFA regularly honours contributions to the sport and society.
Looking ahead: the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup promises to be a landmark event, marking the first time the tournament is co-hosted across three nations with a 48-team format. The ceremonial draw and awards may have sparked discussion about FIFA’s image, but fans and analysts are now turning their attention to the football itself, including Group A’s opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
Trump’s presence, combined with FIFA’s new Peace Prize, ensured that the draw will be remembered not only for the teams selected but also for its political undertones, musical performances, and global media coverage.
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