FIFA’s First Peace Prize Goes to Donald Trump at 2026 World Cup Draw

“I don’t need prizes. I just want to save lives.” U.S. President Donald Trump said

At the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump was awarded FIFA’s newly created Peace Prize, giving the already high-profile event a striking Trump-centered spotlight.

Trump, who has openly campaigned for the Nobel Peace Prize, was widely expected to win this inaugural award. His close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino contributed to this anticipation, especially since Infantino had publicly stated that he believed Trump should have won the Nobel for his efforts to help broker a ceasefire in Gaza.

Before receiving the award, Trump told reporters:

“I don’t need prizes. I just want to save lives.”

FIFA said the peace prize recognizes individuals who have taken “exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace and by doing so have united people across the world.”

What Did the Award Ceremony Look Like, and How Did Infantino Present the Prize?

Infantino presented Trump with a “beautiful medal” and a gold trophy featuring upraised hands holding a globe—a trophy significantly larger than the Nobel medal.

Infantino said to Trump:

“This is your prize, this is your peace prize.”“This is what we want from a leader — a leader that cares about the people.”

Trump immediately placed the medal around his neck. The certificate honored him for efforts to “promote peace and unity around the world.”

Calling it

“truly one of the great honors of my life,”Trump thanked First Lady Melania Trump and praised the coordination with fellow 2026 FIFA World Cup host nations, Canada and Mexico, highlighting the leadership of Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Claudia Sheinbaum.

How Did Trump’s Peace Prize Fit Into the Spectacle of the World Cup Draw?

In a show tailored to Trump’s love of spectacle, Infantino arranged the draw with a game-show-style setup, having the three leaders — Trump, Carney, and Sheinbaum — stand behind brightly colored podiums to draw teams.

They later posed for a selfie with Infantino, further highlighting the celebratory tone.

Infantino said enthusiastically:

“This will be unique, this will be stellar, this will be spectacular.”

What Key World Cup Details Were Announced at the Draw?

The 2026 Men’s World Cup, hosted jointly by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, will be the largest in history:

• June 11 – July 19, 2026

• 104 matches

• 16 host cities

The tournament will open with Mexico vs. South Africa at the Azteca Stadium, followed by South Korea against a playoff winner.The U.S. and Canada will begin play the following day.

Why Is FIFA’s Peace Prize Drawing Scrutiny and Criticism?

FIFA announced the creation of the annual peace prize in November, saying it would honor individuals who demonstrated extraordinary actions for peace.

A video shown before the award presentation celebrated Trump for:

• Resolving the war in Gaza

• Trying to end Russia’s war in Ukraine

Trump echoed these claims, stating:

“We saved millions and millions of lives. The world is a safer place now.”

He also said the U.S. had been “not doing too well” before he took office but is now

“the hottest country anywhere in the world.”

Trump claimed he had “settled eight wars” in 10 months, emphasizing:

“I don’t need prizes. I need to save lives.”

However, these claims are widely disputed, as most conflicts — including Israel’s war on Gaza — remain unresolved.

What Criticisms Has Trump Faced Despite Receiving the Prize?

Trump received the award amid significant criticism from humanitarian groups, political opponents, and international observers due to several ongoing U.S. government actions:

1. U.S. Military Actions

His administration faced scrutiny for:

• Deadly air strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean

• A large military buildup around Venezuela

2. Hardline Immigration Crackdown

Trump ordered:

• National Guard deployments to U.S. cities

• Threats to move World Cup games away from troop-heavy cities

• A freeze on asylum decisions from 19 countries, including World Cup participants Haiti and Iran

Days earlier, he had referred to Somali immigrants as “garbage”, triggering national and international backlash.

3. Lack of Transparency in the Award Process

Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticized FIFA for refusing to provide:

• Names of nominees

• List of judges

• Selection criteria

• Voting process details

HRW’s Minky Worden stated:

“FIFA’s so-called peace prize is being awarded against a backdrop of violent detentions of immigrants, national guard deployments in US cities, and the obsequious cancellation of FIFA’s own anti-racism and anti-discrimination campaigns.”

How Does the Nobel Peace Prize Fit Into This Context?

The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who dedicated the honor partially to Trump, praising him for:

“his decisive support of our cause.”

Infantino, meanwhile, had repeatedly said Trump deserved the Nobel instead.

Why Is FIFA’s Peace Prize Seen as a Major Shift From Its Sporting Mission?

While Infantino frequently emphasizes football’s ability to unify the world, awarding a sitting U.S. president — one facing major political controversy — is a striking break from FIFA’s sporting tradition.

Critics say this award represents an unprecedented blending of global politics, diplomacy, and football, revealing a new dimension of FIFA’s influence.