FIFA has announced a Peace Prize in recognition of contributions to global peace and significant service to society. From now on, the FIFA Peace Prize will be awarded every year. Next June, the world’s biggest football event will take place. The 26th edition of the FIFA World Cup will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico with the participation of 48 teams.
U.S. President Donald Trump will speak at the draw ceremony of the 2026 World Cup. Multiple sources have stated that he will receive the “FIFA Peace Prize” ahead of the ceremony. According to the plan, Trump will be given a few minutes to speak during a nearly two-hour event at the Kennedy Center in Washington. It is also being speculated that the organization will not impose very strict time limits on his speech.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will also attend the event. But naturally, all eyes will be on Trump.
Announcing the award, FIFA said that football is a symbol of peace, and the purpose of this prize is to honor those who work to promote unity and peace among people. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, “When the world is unstable, it is important to honor those who are bringing people closer together.” The prize will be awarded annually. However, the first award will be presented on the day of the draw ceremony in Washington.
Although Trump’s name has not been officially announced yet, multiple sources within FIFA have told The New York Times that he is the one receiving the award. Infantino had earlier said that after the Israel–Gaza ceasefire, he believes Trump has done work worthy of a Nobel Peace Prize. However, The New York Times reported that although Trump claims to have ended eight wars, his role in many of those situations remains controversial.
FIFA has not released any information on how nominees for this award will be selected or how they will be evaluated. Human rights organization Human Rights Watch sent a letter to FIFA regarding this issue but has received no response.
The event itself has reportedly been arranged according to Trump’s preferences. The band Village People, known for performing “Y.M.C.A.” — a song popular at Trump rallies — will perform at the ceremony.
