Summary (tl;dr)

FIFA has controversially awarded its newly established "FIFA Peace Prize" to former U.S. President Donald Trump, with the presentation made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington D.C.

Essential Background

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has fostered a close relationship with Donald Trump, publicly backing him for the Nobel Peace Prize earlier this year. In November 2025, FIFA announced the creation of a new "FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World," to be awarded annually to individuals demonstrating exceptional actions for peace and unity. The establishment of this prize followed Trump's open campaign for the Nobel Peace Prize, which was ultimately awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado in October 2025.

The Full Story

Today, December 5, 2025, during the official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize to Donald Trump. Infantino lauded Trump for his "exceptional and extraordinary actions to promote peace and unity around the world," presenting him with a gold trophy and medal. Trump, accepting the award, called it "truly one of the greatest honors of my life" and claimed to have "saved millions and millions of lives." The timing and recipient of the award have generated significant discussion, with some critics questioning FIFA's political neutrality and the transparency of its award processes.

Why It Matters

The awarding of a newly created "peace prize" by a global sports organization to a prominent political figure like Donald Trump is controversial, raising questions about FIFA's adherence to its stated political neutrality and the transparency of its award processes. This event fuels debate over the intersection of sports, politics, and international recognition, particularly as FIFA prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The perceived politicization of a sporting body's awards can impact public trust and its global image.

Geographic Location

• John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States (inaugural FIFA Peace Prize awarded to Donald Trump during 2026 World Cup draw)