FIFA has launched a new Peace Prize, with speculation mounting that President Donald Trump could be the inaugural recipient during the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington.
FIFA, world soccer’s governing body, has announced the creation of a new annual award, the FIFA Peace Prize — Football Unites the World, according to The Japan Times reporting.
The inaugural presentation of the prize is scheduled to take place during the draw for the 2026 World Cup on December 5 in Washington.
The announcement was made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, shortly before he was slated to appear at the America Business Forum in Miami alongside U.S. President Donald Trump and Argentine football star Lionel Messi.
In a statement explaining the rationale behind the new accolade, Infantino said:
“Football stands for peace, and on behalf of the entire global football community, the FIFA Peace Prize — Football Unites the World will recognize the enormous efforts of those individuals who unite people, bringing hope for future generations.”
While the recipient of the inaugural award was not officially disclosed, there was immediate speculation that the prize could be presented to President Trump, a known ally of Infantino.
The context for the speculation is rooted in the announcement that the draw will be held at the Kennedy Center in Washington. Trump installed himself as the chairman of the Kennedy Center earlier this year as part of his stated objective to fight “woke” culture.
The speculation follows Trump’s recent public insistence that he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in resolving various global conflicts, after he was passed over by the Norwegian Nobel Committee last month in favour of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.
The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.