Overview
- Gianni Infantino presented President Trump with the first FIFA Peace Prize during the 2026 World Cup draw at Washington’s Kennedy Center, praising him as a close friend.
- The award was announced only weeks after Trump failed to win the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, with no public criteria, no disclosed nominees, and, according to reporting, no consultation with the FIFA Council.
- Human Rights Watch sought details on the prize’s process and standards but received no substantive response from FIFA.
- Public figures and media mocked the honor, with California Gov. Gavin Newsom posting a parody "Kohl’s Peace Prize," hosts of The View handing out fake medals on air, and Jon Stewart lampooning the ceremony on The Daily Show.
- Critics highlighted ongoing U.S. military boat strikes and congressional briefings in which Rep. Jim Himes said survivors in a follow-up strike appeared to be non‑combatants, arguing the award conflicts with Trump’s record.