FIFA has announced the creation of a new annual award known as the FIFA Peace Prize, which will debut during the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, D.C.
The global football governing body made the announcement on Wednesday, emphasizing the sport’s power to unite communities worldwide.
“Football stands for peace, and on behalf of the entire global football community, the FIFA Peace Prize—Football Unites the World will recognize the enormous efforts of those individuals who unite people, bringing hope for future generations,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in an official statement.
The announcement came just before Infantino’s appearance at the America Business Forum in Miami, which also featured US President Donald Trump and Argentine World Cup champion Lionel Messi as guest speakers.
Although FIFA did not reveal who would receive the inaugural award, speculation immediately arose that President Trump might be the recipient, given his close relationship with Infantino and his anticipated attendance at the December 5 draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington.
Trump, standing beside Infantino, had previously announced from the Oval Office in August that the World Cup draw would be held at the Kennedy Center, a venue where he installed himself as chairman earlier this year, vowing to fight what he described as “woke” culture.
Since beginning his second term in January, Trump has repeatedly claimed that he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in “resolving numerous conflicts” across the globe. However, the Norwegian Nobel Committee overlooked him last month, instead granting the prestigious award to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to run from June 11 to July 19, will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first time the tournament will be staged across three nations.
What You Should Know
The FIFA Peace Prize is a new global honor celebrating individuals who promote unity and peace through football. The award’s debut aligns with the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, D.C.
Speculation surrounds Donald Trump as a possible recipient, given his ties with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his active promotion of peace-related narratives.
