WASHINGTON (Civitas) — In a ceremony that showcased sports entwined with global politics, former President Donald Trump was presented with a new FIFA peace prize during the 2026 World Cup draw. This award operates on recognizing individuals who have made significant strides in promoting peace. The ceremony featured FIFA President Gianni Infantino, with whom Trump shares a close working relationship, particularly regarding international diplomacy.
Infantino lauded Trump's efforts, stating, This is what we want from a leader — a leader that cares about the people. Trump received the prize while wearing a gold medal and was handed a trophy symbolic of peace and unity.
This is truly one of the great honors of my life, Trump remarked, acknowledging the contributions of countries like Canada and Mexico during the tournament's host preparations.
The introduction of the FIFA peace prize marks a shift from the organization's conventional focus solely on sports, as Infantino has often referred to soccer as a powerful unifier across nations. However, the awarding comes during a contentious week, with Trump's administration under fire for military operations against alleged drug trafficking boats and hardening his immigration policies, raising eyebrows on whether such recognition aligns with the values the prize aims to promote.
Interestingly, the Nobel Peace Prize for this year was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who dedicated part of her prize in honor of Trump's backing for her causes, illustrating the complex interplay between diplomacy, sports, and political narratives on the world stage. She expressed appreciation for Trump's support through her struggle against Venezuela's current government.
