In a move that has raised eyebrows across the sports and political worlds, former U.S. President Donald Trump was named the inaugural recipient of FIFA's newly created peace prize. The award was presented during the high-profile draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, held at the Kennedy Center in Washington.
A Surprise Honour at the World Cup Draw
The 79-year-old Trump accepted the award from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, a close political ally. The ceremony took place on Friday, December 5, 2025, marking a significant moment for a leader who has frequently expressed a desire for a Nobel Peace Prize. Trump is the first person ever to receive this specific award from world football's governing body.
"Thank you very much. This is truly one of the great honours of my life," Trump stated after receiving the prize. He went further, claiming in his remarks that he and Infantino had "saved millions and millions of lives" through their discussions and actions.
Infantino justified the selection, stating Trump won for "exceptional and extraordinary" actions aimed at promoting global peace and unity. FIFA had announced the annual prize just one month prior, in November 2025, stating it would recognize individuals who provide "hope for future generations."
Deepening Ties Between FIFA and Trump
The selection of Trump, while controversial to some, was not entirely unexpected given the deepening relationship between the FIFA chief and the U.S. president. The 55-year-old Infantino has cultivated a tight bond with Trump, visiting the White House more frequently than any other world leader since Trump's return to office in January 2025.
Trump has made hosting and promoting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, a central project of his second term. The award also comes shortly after Trump was passed over by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which awarded its 2025 peace prize to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.
Trump has persistently argued that he deserves major peace accolades, citing his role in ending what he claims are eight conflicts this year, including a fragile ceasefire in Gaza. He has positioned himself at the head of a "board of peace" for Gaza, a signing ceremony Infantino also attended in Egypt.
Controversy and Questions Over Neutrality
The decision to honour Trump has sparked immediate criticism and questions about FIFA's commitment to political neutrality. Human Rights Watch has publicly stated it wrote to FIFA requesting details on the prize's nominees, judges, criteria, and selection process, but received no response. The lack of transparency has fueled skepticism about the award's legitimacy.
Critics point to a series of Trump administration actions that seem at odds with a peace prize. These include a major U.S. military buildup around Venezuela, deadly airstrikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats, and a hardline migration crackdown. The migration policy has even threatened World Cup hosting cities, with Trump vowing to move games from locations where he has deployed troops.
Furthermore, the award was presented as Trump faces intense criticism from Democrats and human rights groups on multiple fronts, including a crackdown on political opponents and those who challenge his false claims about the 2020 election.
Despite the controversy, the event proceeded as a moment of celebration for Trump and Infantino. The presentation at the World Cup draw ensures the story will captivate audiences in Canada and worldwide, linking the world's most popular sporting event with one of its most divisive political figures.
