Donald Trump Awarded Inaugural FIFA Peace Prize Amid Global Debate
U.S. President Donald J. Trump has been named the first recipient of the newly established FIFA Peace Prize, presented during the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, D.C.
FIFA President, Gianni Infantino handed Trump the gold-plated trophy and medal, designed to symbolize global unity and harmony.
In announcing the award, FIFA described the Peace Prize as recognizing individuals who have taken “exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace,” contributing to unity and cooperation on a global scale.
Trump, in his acceptance remarks, credited his administration with brokering ceasefires and peace deals in multiple international hotspots, calling the honor “one of the greatest of my life.”
The FIFA Peace Prize was only created in November 2025, signaling the sport’s governing body’s ambition to leverage football’s global reach for broader diplomatic and humanitarian influence. The award has drawn significant attention, not only for its inaugural presentation but also because of the prominence and polarizing nature of its first recipient.
Reactions to the announcement have been mixed. Supporters applaud FIFA for acknowledging Trump’s diplomatic efforts, while critics question the appropriateness of awarding a peace prize to a controversial political figure with a recent record marked by contentious policies on immigration, military action, and governance.
Observers have also noted the lack of transparent selection criteria, fueling debates about the legitimacy of the new prize.
For FIFA, the move represents a notable expansion beyond the sporting sphere, positioning the organization as a moral and diplomatic actor on the world stage.
For Trump, the award reinforces his narrative of global peacemaking, offering a high-profile endorsement of his international diplomacy claims.
Despite the acclaim from some quarters, analysts caution that the decision risks politicizing FIFA, potentially undermining its longstanding reputation for neutrality in global football affairs.
The inaugural FIFA Peace Prize has already ignited a worldwide conversation about the criteria and significance of recognizing individuals for contributions to peace.
