FIFA Awards Inaugural Peace Prize to Donald Trump at 2026 World Cup Draw Ceremony

FIFA awarded its first-ever Peace Prize to former U.S. President Donald Trump. The ceremony took place in Washington, D.C. on December 5. The event was part of the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The global football body created the new annual award last month. It aims to honor individuals for extraordinary actions for peace. The decision has sparked immediate controversy and criticism from human rights groups.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the award. Trump received a gold medal and a unity-themed trophy. According to reports from AFP, the ceremony was a formal part of the World Cup draw event.Infantino stated the prize comes from the world’s five billion football fans. He praised Trump’s claimed role in global diplomacy. The award is meant to recognize work that unites people worldwide.

Human Rights Watch publicly denounced the award. The organization’s global sports director, Minky Worden, criticized the lack of transparent procedure. She noted there were no nominees or independent jury for the prize.Worden argued the award risks tainting the sport’s credibility. She connected it to ongoing human rights concerns. The criticism highlights a significant departure from FIFA’s traditional sports focus.The award comes amidst other controversial global actions. This move places FIFA firmly into a geopolitical spotlight. It marks a new, contentious chapter for the international sports federation.