Overview
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented President Donald Trump with a gold trophy, medal, and certificate onstage at the Kennedy Center during the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, D.C.
- FIFA created the annual "FIFA Peace Prize" in November but did not disclose selection criteria, nominees, or decision-makers, and Human Rights Watch said its request for details went unanswered.
- Infantino has cultivated a close relationship with Trump and publicly argued he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for efforts tied to a Gaza cease-fire.
- In brief remarks, Trump called the honor one of his life’s greatest and claimed peace efforts had "saved millions," citing conflicts in the Congo and between India and Pakistan.
- Human rights organizations criticized the award and raised neutrality concerns for FIFA, with the presentation coinciding with scrutiny of U.S. lethal strikes on suspected drug boats and hardline immigration rhetoric.