Trump campaigned openly for the Nobel Peace Prize and long sought its recognition. Observers expected him to claim the newly created FIFA award. US President Donald Trump received the FIFA peace prize during the 2026 World Cup draw on Friday, adding a distinct Trumpian style to the tournament’s proceedings. Experts had predicted this outcome due to his high profile and public efforts.
Close Ties Shape the Award
Trump maintains a strong alliance with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who publicly supported Trump’s Nobel candidacy. Infantino praised Trump for trying to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza. At the ceremony, Infantino said, “This is your prize, this is your peace prize.” He promotes football as a global unifier but acknowledged that the prize moves FIFA beyond its traditional sports focus. Trump told reporters at Washington’s Kennedy Centre that he was unsure about receiving the award, adding, “I don’t need prizes. I just want to save lives.”
Prize Amid Controversy and Global Recognition
FIFA describes the award as honoring individuals who take extraordinary actions for peace and unite people worldwide. The announcement came while Trump faced scrutiny over lethal strikes on suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean and heightened rhetoric against immigrants. Meanwhile, the Nobel Peace Prize went to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. She dedicated part of her honor to Trump for “his decisive support of our cause.”
