In a flattering move, one of US President Donald Trump’s closest allies, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, personally awarded the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize trophy to the 79-year-old leader on Friday (US time). Also handing out a certificate and medal to the POTUS at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts during its World Cup draw, Infantino presented the honour to Trump as a Nobel Peace Prize alternative.
The Republican politician had long been hoping to win the Nobel Peace Prize this year. Angling himself as the self-proclaimed global “peacemaker,” the POTUS had often reiterated his claims about solving multiple wars on international borders. However, the Norwegian Nobel Committee ultimately named Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado as the prize recipient.
Trump win first-ever FIFA Peace Prize
Trump finally got to hold the prestigious trophy for the first time around this week. But the soccer organisation’s prior peace prize declaration already had many convinced beforehand that the US president would be the title’s winner.
FIFA’s big declaration rolled out a month ago, when it said it would “reward individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace.”
“You definitely deserve the first FIFA peace prize for your action, for what you have obtained – in your way – but you obtained it in an incredible way,” the FIFA president said while handing out the accolades to Trump. “And you can always count, Mr. President, on my support, on the support of the entire football community, or soccer community to help you make peace and make the world prosper.”
On his part, Trump said in his acceptance speech, “This is truly one of the great honours of my life.”
What is the FIFA Peace Prize?
Back in November, FIFA introduced the so-called prize as an “award to recognise exceptional actions for peace and unity.”
According to a media release shared at the time, ‘FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World’ award was to be “resented to individuals who, through their unwavering commitment and their special actions, have helped to unite people all over the world in peace and consequently deserve a special and unique recognition.”
While Trump now stands tall as the first-ever recipient of the prize, the organisation has plans to bestow it on an annual basis.
“In an increasingly unsettled and divided world, it’s fundamental to recognise the outstanding contribution of those who work hard to end conflicts and bring people together in a spirit of peace,” said Infantino in an Instagram post.
“Football stands for peace, and on behalf of the entire global football community, the FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World will recognise the enormous efforts of those individuals who unite people, bringing hope for future generations.”
FIFA Final Draw for World Cup 26
Trump’s victory announcement coincided with the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico next year.
During the event, it was revealed that the US Men’s National Team would be facing Australia, Paraguay and one of Turkey, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo in Group D. Fans of he sport instantly took to social media to accuse FIFA of “fixing” the draw in favour of the host country, especially with Trump watching over.
Social media users couldn’t help but concoct conspiracy theories about how the FIFA president and Trump’s friendship may have potentially pulled the strings on Friday. “I’m not a conspiracy person, but it looks like the US has an awful (sic) favorable World Cup draw,” one wrote online, as per the Daily Mail.
Another person questioned, “USA in ‘easy’ Group D with Paraguay & Australia? Hosts rigged the pots to guarantee a deep run while France gets Norway & Senegal – death trap! FIFA’s ‘fair play’ is just code for American exceptionalism. Who’s buying this scripted scam?”