Trump receives FIFA Peace Award during 2026 World Cup draw
In an extraordinary event that captured the attention of both the sporting and political worlds, FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the FIFA Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump. This unprecedented honor, bestowed by FIFA, was awarded during the draw ceremony for the 2026 World Cup finals, held in Washington, D.C., on Friday, in the presence of a high-level international audience.
Details of the awards ceremony in Washington
The iconic Kennedy Center was abuzz with a dazzling ceremony as Trump accepted the award approximately 30 minutes after the start of the artistic performance that preceded the draw. Standing on the stage alongside Infantino, the US president expressed his gratitude for the honor, saying, "This is truly one of the greatest honors of my life. And beyond the awards… we have saved millions of lives." These remarks were made in the context of highlighting efforts that FIFA believes have contributed to promoting stability.
Background to the award and the controversy it sparked
FIFA explained in an official statement that this newly established award aims to "reward individuals who have taken extraordinary actions for peace and, through these actions, united people around the world." However, the statement highlighted a striking point: the award was announced last month without prior approval from the FIFA Council, raising questions and sparking debate about the decision-making processes within the world's largest football organization.
2026 World Cup: An exceptional tournament
This recognition cannot be separated from the overall context of the event, as the United States, in partnership with Canada and Mexico, prepares to host a historic edition of the World Cup next summer. This edition is particularly significant as it will be the first to feature 48 teams instead of 32, reflecting an unprecedented expansion of the global competition.
The US administration deserves credit for its active role in securing the joint bid for the 2026 World Cup, with government support and the provision of security and logistical guarantees proving crucial to the three-nation bid's success. The presence of Infantino and Trump side-by-side underscores the close relationship between sports and politics, and how football can be a tool for soft power and international diplomacy.
Global impact of the event
This honor is expected to generate widespread reactions in both sporting and political circles, given President Trump's stature and the timing of the award, which precedes the world's biggest football tournament. It also highlights FIFA's new direction under Infantino's leadership, emphasizing greater engagement with world leaders to ensure the success of major tournaments and to reinforce football's message as a bridge between peoples despite political differences.
