Donald Trump Receives FIFA's Inaugural Peace Prize at 2026 World Cup Draw Ceremony

US President Donald Trump received FIFA's inaugural peace prize at the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony held at Washington's Kennedy Center.

The prestigious award was presented to Trump for his diplomatic efforts in promoting dialogue and de-escalation in global conflict zones, despite his claim that he was not attending the event to receive any accolades.

During the ceremony, FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented Trump with a gold-plated globe trophy and a medal, praising the president for "promoting peace and unity around the world."

Visibly pleased with the recognition, Trump declared, "This is truly one of the great honors of my life - and beyond."

The glitzy, celebrity-filled event showcased Trump alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, as the three nations will co-host next year's tournament.

In a theatrical flourish characteristic of Trump's style, Infantino had the three leaders stand behind colorful podiums to conduct the team draw, culminating with all three posing for a selfie with the FIFA president.

Prior to the award presentation, a video highlighted Trump's efforts in resolving conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, though many dispute his claims of having "settled eight wars" during his ten months in office.

Speaking to reporters earlier, Trump downplayed his interest in prizes, stating, "I don't need prizes. I need to save lives. I saved millions and millions of lives, and that's really what I want to do."

The timing of the award raised eyebrows, coming in the same week that Trump's administration froze immigration applications from 19 countries following a shooting incident involving National Guard members in Washington, and shortly after his controversial comments about Somali immigrants.

The FIFA event bore Trump's unmistakable imprint, opening with Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli performing "Nessun Dorma," a song frequently featured at Trump's campaign rallies.

British pop star Robbie Williams and American Broadway performer Nicole Scherzinger also entertained guests by singing FIFA's 2026 World Cup anthem, while American sports celebrities Tom Brady, Shaquille O'Neal, and Aaron Judge participated in the ceremony, as did Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky.

The 2026 World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, featuring a record 104 matches across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The event concluded with a live performance of "YMCA" by the Village People, a fitting finale to a ceremony that Trump had thoroughly made his own.