FIFA Awards New Peace Prize to Controversial Leader Amid Global Scrutiny

Fri Dec 05 2025 21:01:14 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a surprising move, FIFA has awarded a newly established peace prize to former President Donald Trump at the 2026 World Cup draw, igniting discussions surrounding his controversial leadership amidst ongoing scrutiny of his administration's actions.

Former President Donald Trump received FIFA's inaugural peace prize at a recent event, praised by FIFA President Gianni Infantino for his supposed contributions to global peace. The award, however, has sparked a mix of admiration and criticism, coming at a time when Trump's policies are heavily scrutinized, especially regarding his anti-immigration stance and military actions in the Caribbean. Meanwhile, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado also earned recognition as this year's Nobel Peace Prize winner, dedicating her honor partially to Trump's support for her cause.

WASHINGTON – In a move that has sparked both admiration and criticism, FIFA awarded its first-ever peace prize to former President Donald Trump during the draw for the 2026 World Cup. The announcement came as Trump has sought recognition for his global engagements, including efforts to mediate conflicts.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Trump as a leader committed to ‘promoting peace and unity around the world’, while handing him a gold trophy symbolizing the globe held aloft by hands. The award highlights the significant overlap of sports and politics in shaping global narratives.

Receiving the award, Trump remarked, “This is truly one of the great honors of my life,” as he thanked Infantino and acknowledged the collaborative spirit of the World Cup host nations—Canada and Mexico—along with his wife, Melania Trump.

However, this ceremony occurs amidst a wave of controversy surrounding Trump's administration, especially concerning his sharpened rhetoric on immigration and lethal military actions in the Caribbean, raising questions about the implications of such a praise amidst ongoing pressures.

In related news, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, delivering a poignant acknowledgment of Trump's backing for her cause. She expressed her gratitude, dedicating part of her prestigious accolade to Trump, acknowledging his role in supporting democratic efforts in Venezuela.

Critics argue that awarding Trump during this tumultuous time in U.S. politics adds to the blurring line between social issues and sports. FIFA itself defined the peace prize as recognizing individuals uniting people globally through extraordinary efforts, challenging the traditional sports-centric focus of the organization.

As these two distinct recognitions intersect—one from a sports federation amidst global scrutiny, the other from a Nobel awarding body igniting dialogue on democracy and leadership—questions about leadership qualities, international relations, and the effectiveness of peace endeavors linger in the air.