United States President Donald Trump on Friday received FIFA’s inaugural Peace Award for what the organization called his “extraordinary action” to promote peace in conflict zones such as Gaza, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Ukraine.
The award was presented during the ceremony preceding the draw for the 2026 World Cup, which the US will co-host with Mexico and Canada.
“The world is now a safer place,” Trump said after accepting the trophy at the Kennedy Center in Washington. “A year ago, the US was not in a good moment, and now I have to say we are the most dynamic country in the world, and we will continue to be.”
The president described 2025’s mediation efforts as “difficult” and highlighted the attendance of Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney.
He said the three governments are working “closely” to prepare the tournament scheduled for June and July 2026. “The coordination, the friendship, and the relationship have been exceptional,” Trump added.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Trump’s leadership as he handed him a large gold trophy and a commemorative medal.
“This is what we want from a leader, a leader who cares about people. We want to live in a safe world, in a safe environment. We want to unite,” Infantino said. “President Trump undoubtedly deserves the first FIFA Peace Award for his actions and for what he has achieved.”
Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has sought to showcase the peace agreements, eight, according to him, that he claims to have successfully brokered this year (2025).
The award, created specifically for this occasion, comes as the administration attempts to present the president as a stabilizing global figure ahead of the World Cup.
The recognition also arrives at a sensitive moment for Washington’s foreign policy.
Trump has ordered a military buildup aimed at pressuring Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to step down, while US forces have summarily bombed boats they argue are carrying drugs in the Caribbean and Pacific.
Congress is currently reviewing those actions to determine whether they constitute unlawful killings.
Civil society groups expressed concern this week about holding the World Cup in a country accused of bypassing due process in detaining and deporting migrants and foreign nationals.
Advocacy organizations also criticized FIFA for its lack of transparency regarding the conception of the Peace Award and the criteria used to select Trump as its first recipient.
FIFA has not published any guidelines regarding the creation or future use of the prize.
