Donald Trump Awarded First FIFA Peace Prize at 2026 World Cup Draw Ceremony

Donald Trump received the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize on 5 December 2025 during the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., sparking global controversy.
Presented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the award claimed to honour Trump’s alleged efforts in easing global conflicts, though many of these claims were disputed or exaggerated.
Critics questioned FIFA’s political alignment with Trump, pointing to his polarising diplomatic record and growing ties between FIFA and his network.
While supporters celebrated the recognition, the move drew backlash from peace activists and diplomats, raising concerns about the politicisation of sport ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Trump’s receipt of a peace prize has generated considerable backlash due to,

• His record of military interventions, such as airstrikes in the Middle East and the Caribbean
• Highly partisan diplomacy, often favouring one side in global conflicts
• His domestic record, which critics argue undermines his image as a unifier

The announcement has drawn attention to FIFA’s growing ties to Trump’s political network, including the appointment of Ivanka Trump to the board of a $100 million education initiative linked to World Cup ticket sales.