The president received the newly created award from FIFA president Gianni Infantino during the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony at the Kennedy Center
President Trump made history Friday when he became the inaugural recipient of the FIFA Peace Prize during the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. FIFA president Gianni Infantino presented the newly created award to the commander-in-chief, praising his efforts in promoting global unity and world peace. The prize, officially titled the FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World, was announced by soccer’s international governing body last month as an annual recognition.
Trump accepted a gold medal from Infantino and placed it around his own neck while the FIFA leader delivered glowing remarks about the president’s leadership qualities. The ceremony also included presentation of a gold trophy featuring Trump’s name engraved alongside an image of hands holding up the world. The unexpected honor came as global soccer fans tuned in to watch the draw that will determine group assignments for the upcoming tournament jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
President calls award one of life’s greatest honors
The president expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as one of the most significant accolades he has received throughout his career. Trump told the assembled crowd that he had ended wars and saved millions of lives through his diplomatic efforts. He emphasized that the world had become a safer place under his leadership and contrasted the current state of global affairs with conditions from a year earlier.
Trump highlighted America’s improved international standing, claiming the United States has transformed into the most dynamic country in the world. He pledged to maintain that status moving forward while continuing his focus on promoting peace and saving lives. The president’s acceptance speech reflected his characteristic confidence about his administration’s accomplishments on the world stage.
Infantino praises Trump’s leadership qualities
The FIFA president used the award presentation as an opportunity to celebrate Trump’s approach to governance and international relations. Infantino specifically stated that Trump represents the type of leader the world needs, emphasizing the president’s concern for people’s wellbeing. The FIFA boss’s remarks suggested a close relationship between the two men and indicated Infantino’s admiration for Trump’s policy decisions.
Infantino told Trump directly that the peace prize belonged to him, framing it as recognition the president had earned through his actions. The FIFA leader’s enthusiastic presentation style and effusive praise created a celebratory atmosphere during the ceremony. Their friendly rapport was evident throughout the exchange, reinforcing reports of their cordial relationship.
Trump claims surprise despite widespread speculation
While walking the red carpet before the ceremony, Trump told reporters he hadn’t received official notification about winning the award despite hearing rumors about a peace prize. The president maintained he attended the event primarily to represent his country at the World Cup draw rather than to collect an accolade. However, given that FIFA had announced the prize’s creation last month and Trump’s close relationship with Infantino, many observers had anticipated he would be the first recipient.
Trump insisted he didn’t need awards and emphasized his focus on saving lives rather than collecting honors. He told journalists he had already saved millions of lives through his policies and that continuing that work remained his priority. Despite these protestations about not seeking recognition, the president clearly enjoyed the spotlight and appeared pleased with the tribute.
President suggests renaming American football
Following the award presentation, Trump made lighthearted comments about sports terminology that drew laughter from the audience. He argued that soccer deserves to be called football, as it is known throughout most of the world, while suggesting American football needs a different name. The president noted the logical inconsistency of calling a sport football when players primarily use their hands rather than feet.
His playful remarks about renaming American football demonstrated Trump’s willingness to engage with international audiences on cultural differences. The comments also showed his comfort with the global soccer community as the United States prepares to co-host the World Cup. While clearly made in jest, the observation highlighted genuine confusion many people experience regarding American sports naming conventions.
Nobel Prize connection and military policy questions
Infantino has previously stated publicly that he believed Trump deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza. Trump missed out on that prestigious award this year when it went to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado instead. The FIFA Peace Prize appears to serve as an alternative form of international recognition for the president’s diplomatic initiatives.
When reporters questioned whether the peace prize conflicted with his recent threats to strike Venezuelan drug traffickers, Trump defended his record by claiming he had settled eight wars. The president had announced earlier in the week his intention to potentially order military strikes against land-based drug operations in Venezuela and Colombia. He appeared unbothered by any perceived contradiction between receiving a peace award while threatening military action.
Award ceremony highlights diplomatic ties
The presentation of the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize underscored the strong relationship between Trump and Infantino, which has developed throughout Trump’s presidency. The ceremony provided a platform for FIFA to align itself with the American president ahead of the World Cup tournament that will take place largely on United States soil. For Trump, the award offered another opportunity to tout his administration’s foreign policy achievements to a global audience watching the draw.