President Donald Trump finally secured a peace prize — though not the Nobel Prize he had hoped for. Instead, he was awarded the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw at the Kennedy Center on Friday.
Calling it “one of the great honors” of his life, Trump accepted the medal, trophy and certificate directly from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who praised the U.S. leader for his “exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace.”
The award, introduced just a month earlier, has long been expected to go to Trump after the Norwegian Nobel Committee declined to award him the Nobel Peace Prize.
Infantino Praises Trump’s Role in ‘Global Peace’
Infantino, who has frequently appeared alongside Trump at international events this year, told the audience:
“You definitely deserve the first FIFA Peace Prize… You can always count on the support of the football community to help make the world prosper.”
Trump wore the medal throughout the event as cameras captured the moment.
A Deepening FIFA–Trump Relationship
Infantino’s partnership with Trump has grown notably strong:
- He attended Trump’s January inauguration
- Appeared at multiple White House events
- Joined Trump during the Rwanda–DRC peace agreement ceremony
- Stood beside him during the Gaza ceasefire signing
- Supported Trump’s expedited visa plan for World Cup fans
Infantino has publicly called Trump a “close friend” and praised his “incredible energy” and commitment to the World Cup.
Trump’s Rising Profile in the Football World
Trump has increasingly appeared at major football moments:
- He watched the Club World Cup final with Infantino
- Stood on stage during trophy celebrations, surprising players
- Claimed FIFA gifted him the event’s original trophy
With the 2026 World Cup now a centerpiece of his presidency, Trump said the U.S. is “ready to host the biggest World Cup in history.”
Trump Responds to Venezuela Strike Questions
When a reporter asked if accepting a peace prize conflicts with his pledge to target Venezuela, Trump responded:
“I don’t need prizes. I need to save lives. I also want to run a great country.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, Others Show Support
Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently attended a White House dinner, also voiced admiration for Trump:
“He is one of the guys who can help to change the world.”
Infantino appeared in a selfie Ronaldo posted after the event.
World Leaders Attend Draw, Groups Announced
Also present at the draw were:
- Canadian PM Mark Carney
- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum
The event revealed the World Cup’s 2026 group lineups, highlighting tough draws for England, favorable outcomes for the USMNT, and several “groups of death.”
