In a surprising and widely discussed moment at the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw ceremony held yesterday, U.S. President Donald J. Trump was awarded the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize.
The ceremony, held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., was already a high-profile global event, attracting media from around the world to witness the placement of teams for football’s most prestigious tournament.
Trump’s award, however, became the most talked-about moment of the evening, generating a mix of praise, skepticism, and debate across the international sports and political communities
The FIFA Peace Prize, officially titled ‘FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World,‘ is a newly introduced recognition aimed at honoring individuals who have taken ‘extraordinary actions for peace’ and have contributed to uniting people across nations.
Alongside the trophy, recipients receive a gold medal and a certificate of recognition. FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the award to Trump, emphasizing that the organization hoped to encourage global unity through football, both on and off the pitch.
According to FIFA, the award is not tied to political office or electoral achievements but rather to actions that promote global peace and international cooperation. The trophy itself, described as a gold-plated globe held by raised hands, is symbolic of FIFA’s vision of football as a unifying force across cultures and nations.
In his acceptance speech, Trump highlighted his efforts in international diplomacy, claiming that his administration and personal initiatives contributed to ceasefire agreements and conflict resolution in various regions. He framed the award as a testament to the importance of global cooperation, emphasizing that football serves as a bridge between diverse peoples, cultures, and nations.
The World Cup draw ceremony itself was a lavish spectacle. Held in the U.S. capital for the first time, the event featured high-profile guests, former football legends, dignitaries, and the three host nations — United States, Mexico, and Canada — who are co-hosting the 2026 tournament.
The draw determines the group stage matchups for the expanded 48-team format, which includes 12 groups of four teams each.
Trump’s award, however, overshadowed much of the sporting focus. Photos of the former president holding the golden globe trophy while Infantino applauded became viral across social media platforms within hours.
The moment sparked a heated discussion globally. Supporters praised the recognition, framing it as a symbolic nod to leadership efforts in peace and diplomacy.
Critics, however, questioned FIFA’s decision to award a sitting political figure, arguing that the move blurred the lines between sports governance and geopolitics.
