In a ceremony that blended global politics with international sport, US President Donald Trump was awarded FIFA's new peace prize on Friday, 5 December 2025. The presentation took place at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC during the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico.
A Surprise Presentation at the World Cup Draw
FIFA President Gianni Infantino personally handed the award to President Trump, presenting him with a large golden trophy depicting hands holding the Earth, along with a gold medal which the President wore around his neck. The accompanying certificate recognised Mr Trump for his actions to "promote peace and unity around the world."
The award was announced last month by world football's governing body, which stated it would honour "individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace." In accepting the prize, President Trump called it "truly one of the greatest honours of my life."
Claims of Conflict Resolution and Global Reaction
In his remarks, President Trump pointed to specific geopolitical situations where he believed his administration had intervened successfully. He cited the Democratic Republic of the Congo, claiming efforts there had averted significant loss of life. "We saved millions and millions of lives," he stated. "The Congo is an example - over 10 million people killed. It was heading for another 10 million very quickly."
He also referenced tensions between India and Pakistan, asserting, "so many wars that we were able to end, in some cases a little before they started." Earlier, speaking to reporters, the President had noted he did not care about the prize but claimed to have "settled eight wars" in his ten months in office.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has developed a strong relationship with the US leader, offered effusive praise. "This is what we want from a leader - a leader that cares about the people," Infantino said, adding directly to Mr Trump, "this is your prize, this is your peace prize." Infantino had previously backed Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize earlier in the year.
A Departure from Sport and a Week of Contrasts
The award marks a significant departure for FIFA from its traditional, purely sporting focus. Mr Infantino has frequently spoken about football's power to unify, but this prize explicitly enters the realm of global statesmanship. FIFA describes it as rewarding those whose "exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace" have united people worldwide.
The ceremony occurred during a week where the Trump administration faced scrutiny for authorising lethal strikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and as the President intensified his rhetoric on immigration. The juxtaposition was stark, highlighting the contentious nature of such an award.
In a related development, this year's Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. She subsequently dedicated part of the honour to President Trump for his "decisive support of our cause."
During his brief acceptance speech, President Trump thanked his family, including First Lady Melania Trump, and praised the leaders of the other host nations, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. The event solidified the political backdrop for the upcoming 2026 tournament, set to be one of the most logistically complex and politically charged World Cups in history.
