FIFA’s new peace prize, which honors “individuals who unite people and bring hope for future generations,” was presented to US President Donald Trump on Friday.
The award was given out at the formal draw for the 2026 World Cup in Washington, which the US, Mexico, and Canada will co-host.
At the inaugural event, Trump received the award from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who described him as a leader “who cares about the people.” Trump’s efforts to “promote peace and unity around the world” were commended in the certificate.
🚨 "Please welcome the very first winner of the FIFA Peace Prize — the 45th and 47th President of the United States of America, Mr. Donald J. Trump!" pic.twitter.com/wPcObuFBKV
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) December 5, 2025
“This is your peace prize,” Infantino said as he greeted Trump, who was wearing a gold medal and holding a gold trophy shaped like hands lifting the globe.
“Great honors of my life,” according to Trump
In response, Trump declared the FIFA Peace Prize to be “one of the great honors of my life.” He acknowledged the leaders of the other two host countries, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and thanked his family, especially First Lady Melania Trump.
Trump has actively pursued the Nobel Peace Prize in the past, and Infantino has already said that Trump should have received it for his efforts to mediate a truce in Gaza. Given his tight relationship with the FIFA president, Trump was widely considered the front-runner for this new FIFA award.
FIFA described the award as one that honors individuals who “unite people across the world” and recognizes “exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace.” Although the award’s introduction deviates from FIFA’s typical sports-focused mandate, it is consistent with Infantino’s repeated statements regarding football as a unifying force for the world.
The prize coincides with a week in which Trump’s administration has come under fire for deadly attacks on alleged drug vessels in the Caribbean as well as harsh immigration rhetoric.
Instead, Maria Corina Machado, a leader of the Venezuelan opposition, was awarded this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. Machado said she partially dedicated her honor to Trump for what she felt was his support for her cause.
