Washington, Dec 6: US President Donald Trump was awarded the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize at the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony in Washington on Friday, with the football body crediting him for “exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the medal and certificate moments before the draw began. “It’s a beautiful medal for you that you can wear everywhere you want,” Infantino said while handing over the honour.
Trump called the award “one of the great honours of my life,” adding, “Beyond awards, we saved millions and millions of lives.” He again claimed credit for ending several conflicts, including mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May. India has repeatedly denied any third-party role in its engagements with Pakistan.
“We were able to end so many different wars, even before they started in some cases,” Trump said. He cited conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, saying “over 10 million people were killed and it was heading for another 10 million very quickly.”
FIFA introduced the Peace Prize last month, stating it would recognise individuals who unite people globally through actions for peace.
Trump’s acceptance comes months after he failed to secure the Nobel Peace Prize, despite openly seeking recognition for his foreign policy interventions. Pakistan’s government has publicly credited Trump for involvement in the May ceasefire, while India maintains Operation Sindoor—conducted after the Pahalgam attack—was its own decision without outside mediation.
The announcement drew criticism from football fans worldwide, who called the honour “politically motivated” and questioned FIFA’s decision to link global politics with sport.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada, begins June 11 with Mexico facing Canada in the opening match.
