WASHINGTON — The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) awarded its first-ever “FIFA Peace Award” to US President Donald Trump during the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC
The draw introduced the new 48-team format for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented Trump with a large golden cup and a gold-colored medal on a blue ribbon. He stood beside Trump and praised him during the ceremony broadcast by beIN Sports.
Infantino said Trump “absolutely deserved the FIFA Peace Award.”
Trump welcomed the praise and said:
“We saved millions of lives and avoided many disasters. We helped bring peace between Pakistan and India. We overcame challenges. Gianni is doing a great job, and I have known him for a long time.”
He added: “This is truly one of the greatest honors of my life.”
After receiving the award, Trump took part in drawing the groups for the three host nations.
It marked the first time in World Cup history that a sitting US president joined the draw process.
He shared the stage with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Trump’s appearance at the ceremony came during intense global criticism of his Gaza policy.
Despite a ceasefire that he mediated in Gaza, Trump continues to provide full US military and political support for Israel’s violations of the ceasefire.
His administration approves large weapons shipments to Israel. Rights groups say these weapons contribute to mass civilian casualties and the ongoing genocide in Gaza, which the United Nations has already recognized as such in its investigations.
Trump defends Israel’s actions and rejects calls for accountability.
His administration argues that US support protects regional stability, while critics say it intensifies the destruction in Gaza and blocks meaningful diplomatic efforts.
The new FIFA award triggered anger among international human rights organizations.
Human Rights Watch said the peace award lacked transparency.
Director Minky Worden told reporters that the award had no transparent process, no nominees, and no jury. She said the award seemed entirely new to FIFA’s governing council.
A spokesperson for Reporters Without Borders also voiced concern.
The group fears US border policies could block journalists from entering the country during the World Cup due to strict security rules.
Worden added that human rights and immigration conditions in the United States changed sharply since Trump took office in January. — QNN
