Trump Receives FIFA Peace Prize at World Cup Draw Amid Global Political Scrutiny

U.S. President Donald Trump was awarded the newly instituted FIFA Peace Prize during the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony on Friday, adding a dramatic political dimension to the high-profile sporting event. The award was presented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has publicly praised Trump’s international diplomatic efforts in recent years.

The certificate presented to Trump recognized his actions to “promote peace and unity around the world.” Wearing a gold medal and receiving a trophy depicting hands lifting the globe, Trump was formally introduced as the inaugural recipient of the prize. Infantino described the honor as one that celebrates leadership focused on global harmony and collective progress.

In his brief acceptance remarks, Trump expressed gratitude to his family, including First Lady Melania Trump, and acknowledged the leaders of fellow host nations for the 2026 tournament—Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. He described the recognition as “one of the great honors” of his public life.

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The introduction of the FIFA Peace Prize represents a notable shift from the organization’s traditional emphasis on athletic achievement. FIFA stated that the award is intended to honor individuals who have taken “exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace” and have helped unite people across borders through their efforts.

The announcement, however, arrives amid heightened scrutiny of Trump’s administration over recent military actions in the Caribbean and intensified rhetoric on immigration. Adding further complexity, the Nobel Peace Prize this year was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who publicly dedicated part of her honor to Trump for what she described as his decisive international support.

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