On December 5, 2025, Donald Trump was announced as the recipient of the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize at the 2026 World Cup draw held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. This award was established by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to peace, following Trump's exclusion from the Nobel Peace Prize earlier that year, which he had publicly sought.

Infantino presented the award, stating it acknowledged Trump's efforts to promote global peace and unity, particularly in relation to his diplomatic initiatives in Gaza. The award included a medal and a trophy depicting hands holding up the world, which Trump accepted, calling it one of the great honors of his life. He expressed gratitude for the cooperation with Canada and Mexico, the other host nations of the upcoming World Cup, and claimed that the world is now a safer place.

The decision to create the FIFA Peace Prize has raised eyebrows among FIFA officials, as it represents a notable shift from the organization’s primary focus on sports. The process for selecting the award recipient has not been disclosed, and reports indicate that some FIFA board members learned about the prize through media coverage rather than official channels. This has led to concerns about the political implications of the award, particularly given Infantino's close ties to Trump, which have included attending various events together and facilitating FIFA's presence in Trump Tower.

During the award ceremony, Trump praised Infantino as a great leader in sports, while Infantino described Trump as a close friend and acknowledged his contributions to the World Cup preparations. The event also featured discussions about the participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the upcoming tournament, despite Russia's exclusion due to its actions in Ukraine.

The juxtaposition of Trump's receipt of the FIFA Peace Prize with his administration's ongoing military actions, including recent vows to combat drug trafficking in Venezuela, raises questions about the complexities of peace and conflict in international relations. Critics have pointed out that awarding a peace prize to a figure engaged in military operations complicates the narrative surrounding peace efforts and highlights the intersection of sports, politics, and corporate interests in the global arena. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take place across 16 cities in North America, beginning on June 11, 2026, and concluding with the final match in the U.S. on July 19, featuring a record 48 teams.