In a dramatic turn at the 2026 World Cup group-stage draw in Washington, D.C., Donald J. Trump has been named the first ever winner of the new FIFA Peace Prize. The trophy, a golden globe held aloft by sculpted hands was presented by Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, who praised Trump for “exceptional and extraordinary actions … that have united people across the world.”
Trump accepted the award, a medal, certificate, and trophy with visible pride. He described it as “truly one of the great honours of my life.” He went on to claim that under his leadership, his administration had saved “tens of millions of lives” by averting conflicts, citing as examples alleged peace efforts in regions like Congo, and disputes between India and Pakistan.
This award is part of a newly introduced tradition: the FIFA Peace Prize was established in 2025, with the aim to recognise people whose actions help to unite people all over the world in peace.
The decision to grant the first prize to Trump marks a notable departure for FIFA, a sporting body traditionally focused solely on football. The choice raises eyebrows, given the highly political nature of the award and the fact that the global governing body of soccer has rarely waded into geopolitical recognition.
Trump, who had earlier sought the Nobel Peace Prize this year, expressed mixed feelings. While honoured, he insisted, “I don’t need prizes; I need to save lives.”
Looking ahead, the 2026 World Cup, which is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, promises to be one of the largest and most watched editions in history.
Awarding the FIFA Peace Prize to Trump injects fresh political intrigue into the upcoming 2026 World Cup, a tournament expected to generate billions in global revenue. Increased media attention and sponsorship interest could boost ticket sales, broadcast rights and merchandise, potentially delivering a substantial financial windfall for host economies and FIFA alike.
