Overview
- FIFA announced a new annual award, the “FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World,” to honor individuals for exceptional actions for peace and unity.
- The first prize will be presented by Gianni Infantino on Dec. 5 during the 2026 World Cup Final Draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
- FIFA has not revealed the inaugural recipient and has provided no information about the selection criteria or decision-makers.
- Infantino praised President Trump at the America Business Forum and, when asked if he would be the first honoree, said, “On the 5th of December, you will see,” leading to widespread media speculation.
- Scrutiny has intensified over FIFA’s political neutrality following moves that include opening a FIFA office in Trump Tower and appointing Ivanka Trump to a World Cup–linked education board, with Trump having announced the draw venue in August.