FIFA awards Donald Trump a new 'Peace Prize' at 2026 World Cup Draw, stuns critics

FIFA president Gianni Infantino personally presented the honour, officially titled the “FIFA Peace Prize: Football Unites the World”, praising Trump for his purported efforts to foster global harmony.

“You can always count, Mr President, on my support and the entire football community to help you make peace all over the world,” Infantino declared, as Trump took the stage to accept the award.

The surprise award was introduced only in early November, just three weeks after Trump failed to receive the Nobel Peace Prize he had repeatedly expressed an interest in.

Instead, the Nobel committee honoured Venezuelan democracy advocate María Corina Machado.

Infantino had publicly expressed his support for Trump’s Nobel aspirations, even posting on Instagram after the Israel–Gaza ceasefire that Trump “deserved to win the Nobel Peace Prize.”

FIFA did not explain how the peace prize was created, what criteria were used, or who was considered. Senior FIFA officials told reporters they had been blindsided by the announcement- the prize was never discussed with the FIFA Council.

Infantino framed the honour broadly, saying it recognises “individuals who unite people, bringing hope for future generations” and praising those who work to “end conflicts and bring people together.”

Trump, accepting the award, called it “one of the great honours of my life.”

The ceremony also highlighted Infantino’s increasingly close relationship with Trump. The FIFA president has been openly courting him in recent months, suggesting the success of the 2026 World Cup — set to be hosted across the US, Canada, and Mexico — depends on strong ties with Washington.

Trump returned the favour from the stage, praising Infantino’s leadership and noting record-breaking ticket sales.

Human Rights watch demands answers

The award drew immediate scrutiny. Human Rights Watch sent a formal letter to FIFA asking for clarity on several issues, including:

“What are the formal criteria FIFA will use to evaluate nominees for the FIFA Peace Prize?”

“Who will serve as judges or decision-makers, and what are their qualifications?”

So far, FIFA has not provided any public answers.