US President Donald Trump was awarded FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize during the 2026 World Cup draw at Washington’s Kennedy Center, even though he initially stated he was not attending to receive any awards. The prize recognizes individuals “who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace,” and FIFA highlighted Trump’s efforts in promoting dialogue and de-escalation in global hotspots.
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The high-profile event drew international media attention, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum present, but Trump dominated the proceedings. Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli performed “Nessun Dorma” to mark the occasion. FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Trump for “promoting peace and unity around the world” as he presented the gold-plated globe trophy and medal.
Trump used the opportunity to celebrate his achievements, claiming that America was “the hottest country anywhere in the world” under his leadership. He also reiterated that he had “settled eight wars” and emphasized that saving lives was more important than winning awards.
The presentation came amid domestic and international controversies surrounding Trump, including frozen immigration applications from 19 countries and inflammatory remarks about Somali immigrants. Despite this, the ceremony portrayed him as a central figure in a landmark sporting event, with the award symbolizing FIFA’s recognition of his efforts in international diplomacy and peace initiatives ahead of the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
