FIFA Hands Trump First “Peace Prize”

On 5 December 2025, during the final draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Washington, D.C., FIFA presented its inaugural “FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World” to U.S. President Donald J. Trump.

What Happened — A New Award, a Famous Recipient

The award — created by FIFA just a month earlier — is described as honoring individuals who have taken “exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace” and contributed to global unity. During the ceremony, FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Trump for his efforts towards peace and unity globally, presenting him with a commemorative medal and the Peace Prize trophy.

Why FIFA Says It Matters — Peace, Unity & What Football Can Symbolize

FIFA argues that football has a unique power to bring people together across borders, cultures, and nations. The Peace Prize was introduced as a way to acknowledge and amplify that power.

Infantino said the new award is “on behalf of all football-loving people” worldwide — a symbolic gesture recognizing hope, cooperation, and global solidarity through sport.

With the 2026 World Cup coming soon — co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico — the timing underscores FIFA’s ambition to frame the tournament not only as sport, but as a global event of unity.

Why It’s Already Stirring Controversy — Politics, Credibility & Questions

The decision to award Trump this Peace Prize has sparked strong reactions and raised several concerns:

• Critics argue the move mixes politics and sport, potentially undermining FIFA’s claim to be politically neutral. Some say the award appears tailored — especially given football’s growing ties to U.S. hosting and Trump’s political influence.
• Doubts have been raised about the selection criteria: FIFA has not publicly disclosed detailed standards for what actions constitute “peace and unity,” leading some to view the prize as symbolic or even opportunistic.
• For many observers, the award feels especially controversial given ongoing global conflicts, human rights criticisms, and the polarizing reputation of Trump, raising questions about whether such an honor is meaningful or controversial by design.

What It Means — Sport, Influence & Global Image

• The new Peace Prize suggests that major international sports organizations want to influence geopolitics — or at least brand themselves as global peacemakers.
• For Trump — long accustomed to political spectacle — this award gives him a platform to claim global recognition for “peace efforts,” regardless of independent verification or controversy.
• For FIFA, aligning with a high-profile political figure might help cement its influence in global sport, media, and diplomacy — especially among stakeholders for the 2026 World Cup.
• For the public and fans, the episode may alter how sport is perceived: not just as entertainment, but a political tool — prompting debates about objectivity, values, and the role of sport in global affairs.

You might also want to read: Strange Reason Trump Was Given the Real FIFA Trophy and Left Chelsea With a Fake!