In a spectacle dripping with opulence and political flattery, former US President Donald Trump was presented with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize on Friday. The ceremony took centre stage at the glitzy draw for the 2026 World Cup, held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC.
A Prize Designed for a 'Precious Ego'
The event, described by observers as cheesy, gaudy, and gauche, appeared meticulously crafted to appeal to one man. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, beaming with enthusiasm, declared to an audience of 2,000, "This is your prize – this is your peace prize!" as Trump approached a plinth bearing his name in capital letters.
The trophy itself was a golden globe resting upon five large golden hands. "There is also a beautiful medal for you that you can wear everywhere you want to go," Infantino added, prompting Trump, appearing "glowing oranger than usual" under the lights, to immediately place the medal around his own neck.
Trump told the crowd, "This is truly one of the great honours of my life." The award was widely interpreted as a pointed rebuke to the Norwegian Nobel committee, which has never awarded Trump its own peace prize.
Historical Echoes and Blatant Flattery
The scene drew immediate parallels to historical abuses of sport for political propaganda. Commentators noted how Benito Mussolini exploited the 1934 World Cup in Italy to promote fascism, even creating a special trophy six times larger than the official World Cup award.
Infantino's courtship of Trump has been ardent and public. The FIFA chief attended Trump's second inauguration, is a regular guest at Mar-a-Lago and the Oval Office, and FIFA has opened a new office in Trump Tower in New York. This relationship ensured the World Cup draw's shift from its traditional apolitical setting to the heart of Washington's political theatre.
The irony of the location was stark: the Kennedy Center, where Senate Democrats are investigating alleged cronyism under a Trump appointee, sits just around the corner from the Watergate building.
Questionable Justifications and a 'Truthful Hyperbole' Finale
A glossy video presentation attempted to justify the award, citing Trump's diplomatic efforts in eight conflicts during his ten months in office. The narration praised "a dynamic leader who has engaged in diplomatic efforts that create opportunities for dialogue, de-escalation and stability." Notably absent was any mention of his relationship with Vladimir Putin or controversial policies.
The justification felt, to many, as hollow as the Dodo's decree in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: "Everyone shall have prizes." One observer quipped, "Any chance of a VAR review on this decision?"
The event culminated with Infantino whipping the audience into a chant of "USA! USA! USA!" before a performance by Nicole Scherzinger and Robbie Williams. After the complex draw was completed, the show ended like a Trump rally, with the Village People performing "Y.M.C.A."
With Trump securing his unusual accolade and Infantino securing his powerful ally, the line between global sport and political theatre was rendered not just blurred, but utterly erased. The question now is where this partnership heads next.
