Trump wins FIFA Peace Prize at 2026 World Cup draw
In an extraordinary evening in the US capital, Washington, Gianni Infantino, president of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), presented US President Donald Trump with the inaugural “FIFA Peace Prize” during the draw ceremony for the 2026 World Cup. This surprise honor came moments before the start of the draw ceremony for the biggest tournament in the history of football, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The moment of recognition at the Kennedy Center
The US president took to the stage at the iconic Kennedy Center, where he received the award from Infantino amidst applause from the audience. This event followed approximately 30 minutes after the start of a dazzling presentation that revealed the paths of the teams participating in the upcoming World Cup. In his acceptance speech, Trump expressed his deep gratitude, saying, “This is truly one of the greatest honors of my life. Beyond the awards… we have saved millions of lives,” referring to his political and diplomatic efforts.
Implications of the new award
FIFA explained in an official statement that this newly established award aims to “reward individuals who have taken extraordinary actions for peace, thereby contributing to uniting people around the world.” This recognition strengthens the relationship between sport and politics on the international stage, especially since FIFA had previously announced the award, generating widespread interest in its criteria and nominees.
The historical context of the 2026 World Cup
The event is not just about awarding prizes; its significance lies in paving the way for a historic World Cup. The 2026 tournament will be the first to feature 48 teams instead of 32, making it the largest and most inclusive edition in the competition's history. It will also be the first time three countries have co-hosted the finals, reflecting FIFA's motto of "unity.".
Preparations for the global event
The draw ceremony and the honoring of the US president are part of the final preparations for the tournament scheduled for next summer. The world's attention is focused on North America, which is preparing to welcome millions of fans. This tournament represents an opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation among the continent's nations and showcase unprecedented sports infrastructure, making the draw ceremony in Washington a true launching point for this global football extravaganza.
