Donald Trump actively sought the Nobel Peace Prize and openly campaigned for it. Experts expected him to win FIFA’s new peace prize. The organization presented the award to Trump during the 2026 World Cup draw, adding a distinct Trumpian style to the event. Spectators and officials noted the ceremony emphasized his personal influence over the tournament.
Strong Ties Shape the Recognition
Trump maintains a close relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who publicly praised Trump’s Gaza ceasefire efforts. Infantino declared, “This is your prize, this is your peace prize.” He often highlights football as a unifier but departed from FIFA’s usual sports focus with this award. Trump told reporters at Washington’s Kennedy Centre that he did not expect the honor and emphasized, “I don’t need prizes. I just want to save lives.”
Peace Awards Amid Controversy
FIFA defines the prize as honoring individuals who take exceptional actions for peace and unite people worldwide. The announcement coincided with scrutiny of Trump’s lethal strikes on suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean and his tougher immigration stance. Venezuela’s opposition leader Maria Corina Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize and partly dedicated her recognition to Trump for his decisive support of her cause.
