What Is the FIFA Peace Prize?
The FIFA Peace Prize is a newly created annual award introduced by FIFA in November 2025. It honors individuals who have undertaken “exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace” and have “united people across the world.”
The award is presented on behalf of over 5 billion football fans worldwide and represents FIFA’s commitment to the motto “Football Unites the World.” Unlike traditional sports awards, this prize focuses on peace and global unity rather than athletic achievement.
FIFA Peace Prize Award Components
Recipients of the FIFA Peace Prize receive three items:
- Gold Medal – A beautiful medal that can be worn (as Trump demonstrated by immediately putting it around his neck)
- Gold Trophy – A large gold-plated trophy featuring raised hands lifting the globe with the recipient’s name
- Official Certificate – Recognizing the recipient’s efforts to promote peace and unity
The trophy is significantly larger and more elaborate than the Nobel Peace Prize trophy, emphasizing FIFA’s ambition for the award.
Why Did Donald Trump Win?
Donald Trump received the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize on December 5, 2025, during the 2026 World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Key Reasons for Trump’s Selection
1. Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations
Trump’s administration negotiated a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza conflict, which FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted as a major diplomatic achievement.
2. Ukraine Peace Efforts
Trump has been engaged in shuttle diplomacy to attempt ending the war in Ukraine.
3. Rwanda-DR Congo Peace Deal
Trump hosted a peace agreement signing ceremony between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo at the newly renamed “Donald J Trump Institute of Peace” on the eve of the World Cup draw.
4. Close Relationship with FIFA Leadership
Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino are close allies:
- Infantino attended Trump’s inauguration in January 2025.
- They have met multiple times throughout 2025.
- Infantino publicly stated Trump deserved the Nobel Peace Prize.
- Infantino sat in the front row of the Rwanda-DR Congo peace signing.
Key Points About the Award
It’s a Departure from FIFA’s Traditional Focus
The award marks a significant shift from FIFA’s conventional emphasis on sports and soccer. This is FIFA’s first major award focused exclusively on peace rather than athletic performance.
It’s Not the Nobel Peace Prize
Trump has actively campaigned for the Nobel Peace Prize, which he did not win in 2025. The Nobel committee passed him over in October 2025.
The FIFA Peace Prize is a newly created alternative, but Trump himself stated upon receiving it:
“This is truly one of the great honors of my life.”
FIFA’s Ambition for the Award
A senior FIFA official suggested to BBC Sport that this prize could eventually become greater than the Nobel Peace Prize, given football’s massive global following.
The Award Ceremony
The presentation took place during the 2026 World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on December 5, 2025. FIFA President Infantino personally presented the award, stating:
“This is your prize, this is your peace prize.”
Trump’s Response
Upon Receiving the Award
Trump thanked:
- His family, including First Lady Melania Trump
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney
- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for their collaboration on hosting the World Cup.
His Claims About Peace Achievements
Trump claimed to have “settled eight wars” in just ten months of his administration. He also asserted that his efforts have “saved millions and millions of lives” and made the world “a safer place.”
Controversy and Context
Timing and Criticism
The award came amid several controversial developments:
- Lethal Caribbean strikes – Scrutiny over deadly airstrikes against suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean
- Venezuela buildup – Extensive military deployment around Venezuela
- Immigration policy – Trump hardened immigration rhetoric and threatened to relocate World Cup games from cities where troops were deployed
- Asylum restrictions – Halting asylum processes for 19 nations, including World Cup participants Haiti and Iran
- Xenophobic comments – Trump’s controversial remarks about Somali immigrants sparked international backlash
FIFA’s New Focus
Infantino stated that FIFA created this award because:
“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.”
What’s Next for the FIFA Peace Prize?
The FIFA Peace Prize will be awarded annually, with future recipients to be announced. The criteria and selection process for subsequent awards remain under FIFA’s discretion.
Given that FIFA announced this prize just weeks before Trump’s expected victory, questions remain about how future recipients will be selected and whether the award will maintain its credibility in the global sporting community.
Quick Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Award Name | FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First Recipient | Donald Trump (December 5, 2025) |
| Award Components | Gold medal, gold trophy, certificate |
| Selection Criteria | “Exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace” |
| Presented By | FIFA President Gianni Infantino |
| Presentation Location | Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C. |
| Presented During | 2026 World Cup Draw |
| Trump’s Cited Achievements | Gaza ceasefire, Ukraine peace efforts, Rwanda-DR Congo deal |
The FIFA Peace Prize represents an unprecedented move by world football’s governing body into the realm of international diplomacy and peace-building, marking a historic moment at the 2026 World Cup draw.
