Washington D.C.: President Donald Trump was honored with FIFA’s newly established Peace Prize on Friday during a prestigious ceremony at the Kennedy Center. The award presentation took place alongside the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Draw, making it a historic evening for both football and international diplomacy.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino personally presented the award, titled “FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World,” to President Trump. The honor included a gold medal and an official certificate.
This marks the first time FIFA has presented such an award, which was announced just last month. The organization stated that the prize recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional efforts toward promoting global peace and unity.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Trump expressed his gratitude, calling it “truly one of the greatest honors” of his life. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and highlighted what he described as significant achievements in conflict resolution around the world.
FIFA President Infantino praised Trump’s leadership during the presentation. He noted that football transcends borders and serves as a powerful tool for bringing people together. The new award, according to Infantino, celebrates those who share this vision of unity beyond the playing field.
The timing of this recognition is particularly noteworthy as the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup along with Canada and Mexico. The White House Task Force overseeing preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup includes involvement from government officials.
The ceremony at the Kennedy Center drew distinguished guests from the world of football and international affairs. The combination of the World Cup draw and this special award presentation created an atmosphere of celebration and anticipation for the upcoming tournament.
FIFA officials explained that the Peace Prize will become an annual tradition, recognizing global leaders and figures who contribute meaningfully to international harmony. The organization views this initiative as an extension of football’s role as a universal language that connects diverse cultures and communities.
Some observers have raised questions about the selection process and criteria for the award, particularly given its recent establishment. However, FIFA maintains that the recognition reflects a genuine commitment to honoring peace-building efforts on the world stage.
The 2026 World Cup is expected to attract unprecedented global attention, with matches scheduled across multiple cities in North America. The tournament’s organizing committee has been working closely with local governments and FIFA to ensure a successful event that showcases both athletic excellence and international friendship.
This recognition adds another dimension to the relationship between FIFA and the United States as preparations continue for the historic three-nation World Cup. The tournament will feature an expanded format with more teams and matches than ever before.
As the ceremony concluded, President Trump and FIFA leadership discussed the broader goals of using sport as a platform for positive change. The Peace Prize represents FIFA’s ambition to extend its influence beyond traditional sporting boundaries into areas of social significance.
Looking ahead, the football community and political observers alike will watch to see how this new award evolves and who might receive this honor in future years. For now, President Trump stands as the inaugural recipient of a prize that FIFA hopes will become synonymous with meaningful contributions to global peace.
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