On Friday, December 5, 2025, President Donald Trump was awarded the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize at the Kennedy Center in Washington, coinciding with the draw for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The event was marked by a significant presence of Trump’s supporters and associates, adding a unique flair to the proceedings.
Pundits had anticipated Trump's receipt of the award, especially as FIFA President Gianni Infantino had expressed that he believed Trump was deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize due to his efforts in mediating international conflicts, including a ceasefire in Gaza. During the award ceremony, Infantino presented Trump with a medal and a gold trophy symbolizing peace, stating, "You definitely deserve the first FIFA Peace Prize for your action, for what you have obtained in your way." Infantino's remarks came after a video showcased Trump's meetings with various world leaders, underscoring the administration's claims of having facilitated resolutions to conflicts.
Upon receiving the award, Trump placed the medal around his neck and thanked his family and fellow North American leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. He expressed gratitude for the cooperation between the nations involved in the World Cup, highlighting the effectiveness of their coordination. In his speech, Trump referred to the recognition as "one of the great honors of my life" and asserted that "the world is a safer place now," reflecting his tendency to emphasize his administration's foreign policy achievements.
The establishment of the FIFA Peace Prize marks a shift in FIFA's focus, which has primarily revolved around the sport of soccer. Infantino has consistently promoted the notion of soccer as a unifying force globally. However, the awarding of a peace prize raises questions about the selection process, as many FIFA officials reportedly learned about the initiative from media reports rather than official communications. In observance of the medal presentation, Infantino also attended the opening of the newly named Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, where a deal was signed to mitigate conflict in eastern Congo.
This recognition for Trump comes amid a week of intense diplomatic activities by his administration, aimed at negotiating peace in Ukraine, all the while facing scrutiny over military actions in the Caribbean and toughening immigration policies. The Nobel Peace Prize for this year was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who subsequently dedicated part of her accolade to Trump, acknowledging his supportive role in her cause. Machado will be honored at the traditional Nobel ceremony in Oslo, Norway, on December 10, 2025.
As Trump's relationship with FIFA continues to evolve—marked by frequent visits from Infantino to the White House and a FIFA office established at Trump Tower—the awarding of the FIFA Peace Prize to Trump has elicited both support and criticism. It remains to be seen how this award will impact Trump's standing both domestically and internationally, particularly in light of his contentious foreign policy positions and the ongoing geopolitics at play in the world stage.
