Washington, D.C.: In an unexpected crossover of politics and sport, U.S. President Donald Trump was presented with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize during the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony on Friday. The award, handed to him by FIFA President Gianni Infantino just moments before teams learned their group placements, has already triggered a wave of praise, criticism and controversy across the football world.
A New Award, A Global Stage
The Peace Prize, announced by FIFA only last month, aims to honour figures who have made “exceptional and extraordinary contributions toward peace and unity across nations.” In its debut year, the organisation selected Trump as its first recipient—a choice that quickly overshadowed the ceremonial draw itself.
Trump Calls Honour ‘One of the Greatest of My Life’
Accepting the medal and certificate, Trump delivered a characteristically bold speech. He credited his administration with preventing widespread conflict and claimed his mediation efforts had “saved millions of lives.”
He reiterated previous assertions that he intervened in multiple international crises, including a ceasefire earlier this year between India and Pakistan. India has repeatedly rejected the suggestion of outside mediation, while Pakistan has publicly acknowledged Trump’s involvement.
Trump referenced conflicts from Central Africa to South Asia, saying, “We were able to stop so many wars—some before they even truly began.”
Infantino Praises Trump’s ‘Efforts for Peace’
While presenting the award, Infantino described the honour as a symbol of Trump’s “extraordinary actions to promote peace,” telling the U.S. President he was welcome to wear the medal “wherever you go.” The gesture drew applause in the hall but divided opinions online.
Critics Question Timing and Motivation
The decision arrives months after Trump was passed over for the Nobel Peace Prize—an award he had frequently cited as deserved due to his foreign policy initiatives. FIFA’s recognition has therefore been viewed by some as a consolation win on the global stage.
The response from football fans has been swift and blistering. Many argue the sport’s governing body has veered into political territory, with social media flooded by comments calling the award “inappropriate,” “unnecessary,” or “deeply political.”
Ceasefire Claims Remain Contentious
Trump’s comments again brought attention to Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the Pahalgam attack in April 2025. While Pakistan continues to publicly praise Trump’s alleged mediation role in reducing tensions, India has firmly and repeatedly dismissed the claim.
A World Cup on the Horizon
The award ceremony unfolded as anticipation builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to kick off on June 11, 2026, with co-hosts Mexico and Canada opening the tournament. The United States, also a co-host, will stage several key matches throughout the competition.
Whether the FIFA Peace Prize becomes a recurring honour or remains overshadowed by its controversial first recipient will likely become clearer in the months ahead. For now, Trump’s unexpected spotlight moment has become the most talked-about event of the draw—and perhaps one of the most divisive episodes in recent FIFA history.
