Washington, D.C., Dec 5 – The 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, D.C. turned into far more than a festive evening of football when FIFA president Gianni Infantino presented the first ever FIFA Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump. The ceremony, hosted at the Kennedy Center, blended theatrical flair with global politics as Infantino stepped onto the stage carrying a newly created golden trophy, a medal and a certificate meant to symbolize the honor. Trump accepted the award before a crowd of roughly 2,000 guests, offering a brief yet emphatic speech that framed the moment as one of the greatest distinctions of his public life.
Origins of a Controversial New Award
When FIFA unveiled the Peace Prize a month earlier, many observers immediately questioned the timing and intention behind the initiative. The award was announced without advance notice to FIFA’s own governing bodies, and there was little clarity regarding how nominees would be evaluated, who was responsible for choosing the winner, or what defined the criteria for exceptional action in support of peace. The process was described only in broad terms, with FIFA stating that the honor was created to recognize individuals whose efforts had brought people together and reduced conflict.
This lack of transparency fueled speculation that the award had been conceived with Trump in mind from the beginning. The relationship between Infantino and Trump has strengthened significantly over the past several years, especially during major global events in which both men appeared side by side. Infantino has frequently praised Trump in public and defended him from criticism, describing him as someone who speaks plainly and follows through on his commitments. These remarks raised concerns among critics who viewed the Peace Prize as an extension of personal admiration rather than a reflection of a neutral or carefully managed selection process.
Inside FIFA itself, there appeared to be surprise and frustration. The organization’s 37 member Council was not consulted about the award before it was introduced, and the 211 member Congress was never asked to vote on the creation of the prize or its guidelines. Advocacy groups also sought clarity. One rights organization reached out to FIFA with questions about nominees and judges, but it received no reply. Critics interpreted this silence as confirmation that the process may have lacked formal review or meaningful oversight.
A Ceremony Blending Football and Global Politics
Despite the disputes surrounding the award’s origin, the presentation went forward during the high profile World Cup draw. Infantino introduced Trump as both a leader and a long standing friend. After handing over the trophy, Infantino remarked that the prize belonged to Trump as recognition of actions that, in his view, contributed to peace across several regions.
A pre recorded video then outlined Trump’s claimed achievements in efforts to reduce conflict around the world. The narration highlighted diplomatic initiatives, such as agreements reached in the Middle East and attempts to broker ceasefire arrangements in areas affected by ongoing disputes. It credited Trump for backing negotiations that involved countries in Africa, Asia and Europe, and it referenced Trump’s involvement in publicized summits related to Gaza and broader Middle East diplomacy.
Trump, during his acceptance speech, emphasized what he described as successful efforts to prevent bloodshed and resolve conflicts. He stated that the work done during his time in office helped save many lives. Although some of his claims have long been debated by analysts and political commentators, Trump portrayed his involvement in global affairs as decisive and driven by a desire to stabilize volatile regions.
The award, however, did not escape criticism. Football Supporters Europe, a major fan organization, described the Peace Prize as a gesture designed more to satisfy personal interests than to honor broad based global sentiment. Others questioned whether the award undermined FIFA’s long held principles regarding neutrality in political matters.
The ceremony itself sharpened the impression that political symbolism played a major part in the evening. Shortly after receiving the award, Trump stood alongside Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as the 3 leaders performed a ceremonial placement of their national teams into predetermined groups for the tournament. Their presence underscored the international nature of the event, yet it also highlighted how the gathering operated on a political stage as much as a sporting one.
Trump applauded both Sheinbaum and Carney when they were introduced individually at the start of the program. The 3 leaders were also expected to hold discussions later in the day, marking Trump’s first in person meeting with Sheinbaum and his first conversation with Carney since trade disputes had strained relations in earlier years.
The celebratory atmosphere of the draw was scheduled to end with a performance by the Village People singing Y M C A, a song that became strongly associated with Trump during his presidential campaign events. The music choice further contributed to the impression that the evening had been shaped with Trump’s presence firmly in mind.
As the world looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup, which will be co hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, Trump is expected to play a visible role in public appearances connected to the tournament. His close relationship with Infantino continues to influence the dynamic between global football leadership and American political figures. With the debut of the FIFA Peace Prize now behind them, the debate over the award’s legitimacy is likely to follow FIFA for some time, particularly as questions linger about governance, neutrality and the intertwining of sport with global politics.