Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino (foto: Getty Images)
FIFA introduced its inaugural Peace Award at the 2026 World Cup draw, presenting it to U.S. President Donald Trump in a move that immediately sparked controversy and global debate.
At a lavish ceremony inside Washington’s Kennedy Center, FIFA president Gianni Infantino used the World Cup draw for 2026 to unveil a brand-new honour: the FIFA Peace Award. Its first recipient is none other than U.S. President Donald Trump, a decision that instantly ignited political and public debate.
The award was announced a month ago, described as a distinction for individuals who have “carried out exceptional and extraordinary acts in favour of peace.” From the moment FIFA revealed it, Trump was widely viewed as the frontrunner. On Friday evening, that prediction became official.
In his acceptance speech, Trump claimed he had “saved tens of millions of lives” through diplomatic efforts and “prevented wars on the brink of breaking out.” He called the award one of the greatest honours of his life and thanked Infantino for his leadership of world football’s governing body.
Infantino and Trump have appeared together several times in recent months, including at the signing of a peace accord between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The prize therefore feels like a continuation of their increasingly visible political-sporting alignment.
The ceremony carried additional symbolism when Trump, Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian prime minister Mark Carney joined Infantino to officially open the World Cup draw. The four posed for a group selfie that is already circulating as one of the defining images of the night.
Trump also slipped in a joke about America’s football terminology: “We need a new name for the NFL. This is the real football. We call it soccer, but it doesn’t really fit together.”
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, will take place from 11 June to 19 July.