President Donald Trump issued a thankful statement after receiving the newly created “FIFA Peace Prize” during a ceremony tied to the 2026 World Cup draw. The 2026 tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, and the prize was presented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
FIFA says the award is designed to recognize individuals who have taken exceptional actions for peace and who have helped unite people across the world. The inaugural medal and trophy presentation positioned the prize as a headline-grabbing addition to FIFA’s broader “Football Unites the World” messaging.
Trump, attending with the First Lady, described the moment as “one of the great honors of my life” and immediately put the gold medal on during the presentation, smiling for photographs as he stood beside the trophy.
In typical Trump fashion, his response emphasized outcomes and deal-making, arguing that his leadership has helped de-escalate or halt multiple conflicts. Supporters framed the moment as overdue recognition; critics described it as political theater timed to the World Cup spotlight.
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