In a ceremony filled with global attention and symbolism, United States President Donald Trump became the first recipient of the newly established FIFA Peace Prize. The presentation took place in Washington, D.C., just moments before the official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The award, introduced this year by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, is designed to celebrate individuals who have played an extraordinary role in advancing peace and fostering unity across nations. With President Trump having appeared publicly with Infantino several times in recent months, many observers anticipated he would be the inaugural honoree.
Their expectations were confirmed on Friday when Infantino presented Trump with a gold trophy, a commemorative medal, and an official citation. The moment marked a rare intersection of diplomacy and global sport.
Speaking after receiving the award, Trump described the recognition as one of the most significant honours he had received. He credited his administration with preventing large-scale conflicts and stabilizing tense international situations, remarking that his actions had “saved countless lives.”
Trump also praised Infantino’s leadership and highlighted what he claimed were unprecedented ticket sales for the upcoming tournament. “The excitement for 2026 is beyond anything we imagined,” he said, describing the United States as “the hottest country in the world right now.”
Next year’s World Cup, the first to be hosted by three nations, the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will run from June 11 to July 19. It is expected to be the largest edition in the tournament’s history.
Following the award ceremony, Trump returned to the stage with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney to officially launch the World Cup draw. The three leaders selected the balls representing their respective nations, whose group placements had already been preassigned. The moment ended with a light-hearted group selfie captured by Infantino.
Mexico will open the tournament from Group A, Canada will compete in Group B, and the United States will begin their campaign in Group D.
Trump wrapped up the event with a humorous remark about America’s long-standing debate over the term “football.” Suggesting a bit of rebranding, he joked that the NFL might need a new name. “What the world calls football is football,” he said. “Here we call it soccer, but maybe it’s time we think about that.”
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