Trump scores FIFA’s first ‘Peace Prize’; Who needs the Nobel anyway?
Donald Trump, who has often expressed his desire to win the Nobel Peace Prize, received this new honour from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, a close ally
PTC Web Desk: At the 2026 World Cup draw, FIFA added unexpected drama to the event by presenting its newly created FIFA Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump, a moment that felt more suited to a political show than a football ceremony.
Donald Trump, who has often expressed his desire to win the Nobel Peace Prize, received this new honour from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, a close ally. Infantino has praised Trump’s attempts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza and has previously suggested that Trump deserved the Nobel. Since that did not happen, FIFA stepped in with its own recognition, complete with a medal, certificate and a gold trophy featuring hands lifting the world.
Infantino praised Trump as “a leader that cares about the people,” while handing him the award. Trump, wearing his gold medal, thanked his family and acknowledged Canada’s Mark Carney and Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum, leaders of the other two host nations for the 2026 World Cup. He called the honour “one of the greatest” of his life.
The award signals a shift for FIFA, an organisation traditionally focused on football, now venturing into global peace messaging. The federation says the prize recognises individuals who have taken “extraordinary actions for peace” and helped unite people worldwide. The announcement, however, comes in the same week the Trump administration faced scrutiny for deadly strikes in the Caribbean and tougher immigration policies.
Meanwhile, the Nobel Peace Prize went to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who still noted Trump’s “decisive support” in her acceptance speech.
In the end, the World Cup draw delivered more than match pairings—it delivered a blend of football, politics, and global headlines, with Trump once again at the centre of attention.