United States President Donald Trump received FIFA’s first-ever peace prize during the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, DC. FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the award and praised Trump for his claimed efforts to end global conflicts. Trump called the honour one of the greatest of his life and said he had helped make the world safer.
The ceremony took place at the Kennedy Center with leaders from Canada and Mexico also present. Infantino staged the event like a game show as the three leaders drew teams for the upcoming tournament. He said the 2026 World Cup would be spectacular and highlighted football’s role in uniting nations. A video shown before the award credited Trump for helping end the Gaza war and reducing tensions in Ukraine.
Read more: Trump Wins FIFA Peace Prize
FIFA introduced the peace prize in November to recognise exceptional actions for peace. However, rights groups questioned the transparency of the process. Critics argued that Trump’s record did not align with the values of the award. They also noted that many conflicts he claimed to resolve remain unsettled.
Trump defended his record and insisted he had saved millions of lives. He said he cared more about peace than awards. Yet he continued to face criticism for deploying US troops near Venezuela and ordering air strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats. His strict migration crackdown also sparked backlash at home and abroad.
Read more: Trump in spotlight as 2026 World Cup draw begins
Human Rights Watch condemned the prize and accused FIFA of ignoring discrimination and human rights concerns. The organisation demanded clarity on the selection process but received no response. As debate grew, the award added political weight to a ceremony meant to celebrate global football ahead of the 2026 tournament.