UNITED States of America President Donald Trump was the recipient of the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize before the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup tonight.
The award has been introduced this year by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, designated for a person who has “taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace” and “united people across the world”.
It was widely expected that Trump – who arrived at the ceremony with Infantino and has made several public appearances with him in recent months – would receive the prize.
He was confirmed as the winner at the ceremony in Washington DC today.
As well as receiving a large golden trophy, Trump was also given a medal and certificate by Infantino before making a speech.
Trump stated he had saved “tens of millions of lives” through diplomatic interventions and “stopped wars happening just before they started”.
“This is truly one of the great honours of my life,” he said, before claiming that the 2026 World Cup has set a new record for ticket sales.
“Gianni has done an incredible job. It is a nice tribute to you and the game of football, or as we call it soccer. It is beyond the numbers we thought were possible,” Trump said.
“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.”
The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, and will take place between June 11 and July 19.
With agency report