Introduction to the FIFA Peace Prize
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump was awarded the new FIFA peace prize on Friday at the 2026 World Cup draw — giving the spectacle to set matchups for the quadrennial soccer tournament even more of a Trumpian flair.
Background on the Award
Trump, who has openly campaigned for the Nobel Peace Price, had been heavily expected to receive the newly created FIFA prize. FIFA president Gianni Infantino, a close ally of Trump, has said he thought Trump should have won the Nobel for his efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza.
The Award Ceremony
In awarding the prize, Infantino told Trump it was a “beautiful medal for you that you can wear everywhere you want to go.” Trump promptly placed the medal around his neck. The certificate that Infantino handed Trump recognizes the U.S. president for his actions to “promote peace and unity around the world.” Infantino also presented Trump with a gold trophy with his name on it that depicts hands holding up the world. “You definitely deserve the first FIFA Peace Prize for your action, for what you have obtained in your way,” Infantino said.
Trump’s Response
Trump thanked his family, including his wife, first lady Melania Trump, and praised the leaders of the other two host nations — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum — in his brief remarks, saying the coordination with the countries has been “outstanding.” “This is truly one of the great honors of my life,” Trump said, adding that “most important, I just want to thank everybody. The world is a safer place now.”
Departure from Tradition
Infantino has often spoken about soccer as a unifier for the world, but the prize is a departure from the federation’s traditional focus on sport. FIFA has given no details about the process for choosing a winner. When Infantino first announced last month that the organization would give out a peace prize, some of its senior officials were caught off guard, learning about it through reports in the media.
Recent Diplomatic Efforts
The FIFA president was also on hand Thursday at the newly renamed Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, where Trump and the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda signed a deal aimed at ending the conflict in eastern Congo. FIFA’s award to Trump came during a week in which his administration has been engaged in shuttle diplomacy to try to end the war in Ukraine, while also under scrutiny for lethal strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and as Trump hardens his rhetoric against immigrants.
Comparison to the Nobel Peace Prize
The Nobel for peace was awarded this year to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who said shortly after receiving the prize that she was dedicating it in part to Trump for “his decisive support of our cause.”
Conclusion
The awarding of the FIFA peace prize to President Donald Trump marks a significant departure from the organization’s traditional focus on sport. While the move has been seen as a surprise by many, it reflects the growing recognition of the role that sports can play in promoting peace and unity around the world.
FAQs
- Q: What is the FIFA peace prize?
A: The FIFA peace prize is a new award given by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to promoting peace and unity around the world. - Q: Why was President Donald Trump awarded the FIFA peace prize?
A: President Trump was awarded the prize for his efforts to promote peace and unity, including his work to broker a ceasefire in Gaza and his support for the Venezuelan opposition. - Q: Is the FIFA peace prize related to the Nobel Peace Prize?
A: While both prizes recognize efforts to promote peace, they are separate awards given by different organizations. The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by the Nobel Committee, while the FIFA peace prize is awarded by FIFA.
