Trump Becomes FIFA’s First Peace Prize Laureate

Donald Trump has become the first-ever recipient of FIFA’s Peace Prize after he was honoured by the world football governing body during the draw for the 2026 World Cup in the United States capital.

The award was presented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the Kennedy Center, where he praised Trump’s role in what he described as “exceptional and extraordinary actions” toward promoting peace and unity across the world.

Receiving the prize, Trump said he was deeply honoured by the recognition and claimed his administration had contributed to saving millions of lives through diplomatic efforts.

“This is truly one of the great honors of my life,” Trump said. “We saved millions and millions of lives.”

FIFA announced the Peace Prize in November, saying it would be given annually to individuals who embody its vision of unity and hope for future generations through peace-building.

Infantino has built a close relationship with the US president, visiting the White House frequently since Trump returned to office in January.

He credited Trump’s involvement in resolving what he described as complex international disputes.

Trump has repeatedly argued that his diplomatic engagement this year deserved recognition by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, particularly after what he described as progress on conflicts including the ceasefire in Gaza.

However, he was passed over last month when the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.

The award from FIFA, has drawn criticism from rights groups and political leaders, who argue that the numero uno football governing body failed to provide transparency on how the winner was chosen.

Human Rights Watch said it had asked FIFA to explain the nomination process, judging panel and criteria used for the award without receiving a response.

Trump’s presidency has also been marked by controversial policies, including a military buildup near Venezuela, the launch of airstrikes on suspected drug-smuggling networks, and strict immigration measures that include freezing asylum requests from 19 countries, among them World Cup-bound nations Haiti and Iran.

The decision has raised questions about FIFA’s stated policy of political neutrality, as the organisation traditionally steers clear of political endorsements.

With the United States set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, the tournament has become a central focus of Trump’s second-term agenda.