Overview
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino presented the inaugural prize to President Trump at the World Cup draw in Washington, calling him a “close friend.”
- FIFA has not disclosed criteria, nominees, or council deliberation for the newly created award, and Human Rights Watch says its inquiries received no reply.
- Politicians and commentators ridiculed the honor, with California Gov. Gavin Newsom posting a parody “Kohl’s Peace Prize” image.
- Analysts raised possible transactional motives tied to the 2026 tournament, including needs for visa access and assurances against immigration raids.
- The timing coincided with reporting and congressional concern over lethal U.S. boat strikes, and Snopes debunked a viral fake Trump post about an “Isle of Fifa.”