Washington, Dec 6: The decision to award US President Donald Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize at the 2026 World Cup draw has triggered a fresh political storm and divided reactions across the sporting world.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino handed Trump the honour during the draw ceremony in Washington, calling it recognition of “exceptional and extraordinary actions to promote peace.” The prize was unveiled by FIFA last month to celebrate individuals credited with uniting people globally.
In his acceptance speech, Trump said, “This is truly one of the great honours of my life,” before reiterating his long-standing claim of resolving multiple international conflicts. He again asserted that he helped broker a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May, despite India’s consistent denial of any external involvement.
“We got so many wars done, sometimes right before they started,” Trump said, also referencing heavy casualties in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The speech immediately revived diplomatic and political debate over the May standoff, which followed India’s Operation Sindoor launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. While India insists no mediation took place, Pakistan has publicly thanked Trump for helping secure the ceasefire.
Trump’s prize also comes after he missed the Nobel Peace Prize earlier this year, despite campaigning for recognition of his foreign policy outreach.
Criticism escalated online as football fans accused FIFA of allowing political considerations to overshadow sport. Many argued the honour “should never have gone to a sitting political leader,” calling it a distraction from the tournament draw.
The 2026 World Cup—co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada—kicks off June 11.
