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FIFA Defends Infantino After Surprise 'Peace Prize' for Trump at World Cup Draw

The federation says close cooperation with host governments is essential to staging the 2026 tournament.

Overview

  • Gianni Infantino presented a newly created FIFA 'Friedenspreis' to President Donald Trump during the 2026 World Cup draw at Washington's Kennedy Center.
  • International media condemned Infantino's demeanor toward Trump, using terms such as 'Unterwürfigkeit' and calling the ceremony embarrassing.
  • FIFA issued a statement to BILD asserting that delivering a World Cup requires close, constructive ties with host-country authorities.
  • The federation cited Infantino's relationships with U.S., Canadian, and Mexican leaders and referenced the White House Task Force for the FIFA World Cup.
  • Coverage describes the award as a spontaneously invented honor, and there is no indication of an apology or reversal from FIFA.