FIFA has awarded the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump, honouring what the organisation describes as “exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace” and efforts that have helped unite people around the world.
The global football body introduced the annual award in November but provided few details on its selection criteria or decision-making process. Speculation had grown over who would receive the first honour, with FIFA maintaining silence until the presentation.
Trump received the award during the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling it “one of the great honours” of his life.
“The world is a safer place now. The USA was not doing well a year ago; now we are the hottest country in the world right now,” he said.
He claimed the United States played a decisive role in preventing major conflicts in several regions, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, India and Pakistan. “We saved millions of lives — the Congo as an example. Ten million died, they were heading for 10 million very quickly. Also with India and Pakistan, we also stopped wars happening just before they started,” he stated.
Trump also used the moment to praise FIFA President Gianni Infantino for what he described as historic progress ahead of the 2026 World Cup. “Gianni has done an incredible job. You have set a new record on ticket sales… It is beyond the numbers we thought were possible,” he said.
Despite the high-profile debut of the FIFA Peace Prize, questions remain over its transparency and criteria. FIFA has yet to clarify how recipients are evaluated or what constitutes “extraordinary actions for peace,” leaving the award open to scrutiny.
The governing body maintains that the prize will become an annual recognition for individuals who make significant contributions to global harmony — a process observers are likely to follow closely as future recipients are announced.
