U.S. President Donald Trump was awarded the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize prior to the draws for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This award, introduced this year by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, honors individuals who have made “exceptional and extraordinary contributions to peace” and have “united people globally.”
It was widely anticipated that Trump, who attended the event with Infantino and has appeared with him publicly several times recently, would be the recipient, a fact confirmed during the ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Friday.
In addition to a large golden trophy, Trump received a medal and certificate from Infantino before delivering a speech.
Trump claimed he had saved “tens of millions of lives” through diplomatic efforts and had “prevented wars from starting.”
“This is truly one of the greatest honors of my life,” Trump remarked, also stating that the 2026 World Cup has achieved record ticket sales.
“Gianni has done an incredible job. This is a wonderful tribute to you and the sport of football, or as we call it, soccer. The numbers have exceeded our expectations,” Trump noted.
“The world is a safer place now. The USA was not doing well a year ago; now we are the most sought-after country in the world.”
The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, taking place from June 11 to July 19.
Later, Trump joined Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney on stage for the ceremonial opening of the draw.
The three leaders drew the balls representing their nations, which had already been assigned to their respective groups. They then posed for a selfie taken by Infantino.
Mexico is in Group A and will play in the tournament’s opening match, Canada is in Group B, and the USA is in Group D.
After reiterating his comments about ticket sales, Trump joked about the naming conflict between American football and what Americans typically refer to as soccer.
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“We need to find another name for the NFL,” Trump quipped. “This is football; we call it soccer here in the USA, but it really is football. It doesn’t make sense for us to call it soccer.”
The glamorous ceremony took place at the Kennedy Center, a renowned arts venue in Washington now chaired by Trump after he revamped its board this year.
Alongside stars from the worlds of football, U.S. sports, and entertainment, Trump was present, as were the leaders of the other two co-hosting nations—Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The event appeared to be organized with the U.S. president in mind, featuring the 1970s group Village People performing “YMCA,” a favorite of Trump’s often heard at his campaign rallies.
Additionally, the draw ceremony included the presentation of the new FIFA Peace Prize, breaking from tradition.
