In Washington on Dec. 6, 2025, FIFA president Gianni Infantino presented U.S. President Donald Trump with the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize during the World Cup 2026 final draw at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
FIFA introduced the new award last month, saying it was created to honor “individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace” and who have helped unite people across the globe. Infantino handed Trump a medal and a certificate recognizing what FIFA described as his “exceptional and extraordinary actions to promote peace,” calling the medal “a beautiful medal for you that you can wear everywhere you want to go.”
In brief remarks, Trump called the prize “one of the great honours of my life,” and reiterated claims that his administration had helped end multiple conflicts. He said he had mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May and credited his interventions with preventing further large-scale loss of life in places including the Democratic Republic of the Congo. India has consistently denied third-party involvement in the India-Pakistan ceasefire, while Pakistan publicly credited Trump for helping to broker the agreement.
Observers noted the award came after Trump failed to secure a Nobel Peace Prize earlier in the year, and some viewed FIFA’s honour as a consolation. The decision also drew criticism from football fans and commentators worldwide, who described the recognition as politically motivated and questioned whether sport bodies should be involved in awarding prizes tied to geopolitical actions.
The May ceasefire followed India’s Operation Sindoor, itself launched in response to an April attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. Details about the extent and nature of any third-party mediation in the India-Pakistan talks remain disputed between the governments involved.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to begin on June 11, 2026. Mexico and Canada will open the tournament, and the United States—also a co-host—will participate in matches across the competition.
